BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC)
Self-funded Employer Plan offered in the small group market either in or out of the exchange must offer a Qualified Health Plan that covers at least 60% of all essential benefits at the bronze level. Self-funded plans and plans in the large group market are not required to cover all the essential benefits. An employer can offer minimum essential coverage (MEC) and avoid the 4980H(a) fine or the ESRP (Employer Shared Responsibilty Payment).
If you can not make an appointment with your Primary Care Physician (PCP) within two days of illness and you are in the El Paso area, you may visit either Upper Valley Urgent Care Center or UCare Urgent Care for your after hours medical needs. We are partnered with Walmart and if you are located in El Paso, you may also use Mathews Pharmacy for your pharmaceutical needs.
Talk or a video chat with a doctor without leaving your home or office.
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Applicable Large Employer (ALE) penalties will be $2,260 per full-time worker in 2017 (with an exemption for 30 workers), up from $2,160 in 2016, if they fail to offer coverage as required by 4980H(a).
Unlike wages, employer fines are paid as after-tax profits, so the $2,260 fine really equates to $3,711 in taxable wages, or $1.78 an hour for full-time, year-round workers.
An employer offering both a MV (minimum value) health plan and the MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plan to all employees avoids both penalties as described in 4980H (a) and (b).
MEC is Self-Funded
The Unique Healthcare MEC Plus Plan is completely self-funded. All administrative costs are included. There is no insurance coverage required due to benefits: No hospital coverage is included (only contracted rate agreements within the First Health Network), thus the claims cost are very predictable and stable. There are no underwriting requirements for the MEC Plan.