Resolution on Temporary Faculty & The Affordable Care Act

APSCUF’s legislative body unanimously passed the resolution supporting temporary faculty across the State System and the nation and calling on PASSHE to act on the behalf of its employees rather than cutting off their right to the affordable health care benefits and hours they deserve. The employer mandate provisions of the PPACA have been extended until January 1, 2015, and APSCUF hopes PASSHE uses the time to ensure that temporary faculty members are adequately compensated and have affordable, quality healthcare.

A Resolution of the 176th Legislative Assembly of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties

Whereas, implementation of Employer Shared Responsibility provisions of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) have been delayed until January 1, 2015;

Whereas, Employer Shared Responsibility provisions of the PPACA require large employers, including PASSHE, to provide minimum essential healthcare coverage for anyone working an average of 30 hours per week;

Whereas, Employer Shared Responsibility provisions of the PPACA require employer health coverage to be of minimum value (plan pays 60 percent of average claim cost for each individual) and affordable (employee premium cost is less than 9.5 percent of household income);

Whereas, college and university administrations throughout the country have cut temporary faculty teaching and prep hours to under 30 hours per week to avoid requirements of the ACA;

Whereas, the current cost-sharing structure for temporary faculty healthcare may not meet the minimum value/affordable plan requirements of the ACA; and

Whereas, PASSHE is planning for the requirements of the ACA to take effect on January 1, 2015;

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the 176th Legislative Assembly of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties demands a commitment from PASSHE to refrain from cutting temporary faculty teaching and prep hours to avoid requirements of the Affordable Care Act; and

Be it further resolved, that the 176th Legislative Assembly of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties demands PASSHE ensure that the level of healthcare and cost-sharing for temporary faculty is not negatively impacted by the PPACA and meets minimum value and affordability requirements under the PPACA if it does not so already;

Be it further resolved, that APSCUF stands in solidarity with temporary faculty and temporary faculty groups across the nation fighting to maintain teaching/prep hours and fighting for the healthcare they deserve.