Important ACA Regulations Reminder

Important ACA Regulations Reminder

From: Chuck Flick, HR Director

University employees who work an average of 30 hours or more a week would be eligible for health insurance benefits under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Due to funding limitations and according to the Manpower Control Program, JMU as a Virginia State Agency must limit part-time employment to no more than 29 hours per week on average over the standard measurement period, May 1-April 30.

Part-time employees may work multiple part-time jobs at the university; however, ALL part-time hours worked are combined for calculating the average number of hours worked per week. Hours worked may include any combination of hours associated with the following job classifications: Recurring, Temporary, or Part-time Salaried Non-Teaching positions, Part-time wage (1500 hour positions), Student wage (Federal Work Study is exempt), Graduate Assistants/Teaching Assistants, and Adjunct Instruction.

Affordable Care Act regulations also mandate that full-time employees who leave employment with the university may not be re-hired to work any part-time hours until the employee has been separated a minimum of 26 weeks. This rule applies to JMU classified employees, and full-time instructional and A&P faculty.

The responsibility to plan, schedule and track part-time work falls to the employee and the hiring department with oversight and support provided by the Provost’s Office, Student Employment, and Human Resources. Failure to adhere to these regulations may result in penalties for the employee and the employer. 

JMU and the Affordable Care Act

Policy 1313-Recruiting, Selecting & Hiring Classified and Wage (non-student/part-time) Position

Policy 1325-Wage Employment