Concerns Were Raised by Volunteer Firefighters About Healthcare Requirements Under New Healthcare Law / As Member of Finance Committee, Casey Raised Concerns Of PA Volunteer Firefighters with New IRS Commissioner
Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has received a letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) stating that the concerns raised by volunteer firefighters about Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements are being addressed in the final regulation.
“Pennsylvania has a long and proud tradition of volunteer firefighters,” Senator Casey said. “I’m pleased that the IRS has clarified that volunteer firefighters and other volunteer emergency responders will not be considered as employees for the purposes of the ACA’s employer responsibility requirements.”
Some fire companies with over 50 volunteer firefighters raised concerns about whether they would be required to provide health insurance for these volunteers under the ACA. With already tight budgets, many volunteer fire companies were worried about the uncertainty of additional costs.
As a member of the Finance Committee, Senator Casey has oversight over the IRS. The Committee was charged with confirming its next Commissioner. During a December confirmation hearing, Casey secured a commitment from the nominee, now Commissioner John Koskinen, to address this issue on behalf of Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighters.
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