The IRS has issued guidance which increases the applicable dollar amount used to determine the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) fee. For plan years ending on or after October 1, 2015 and before October 1, 2016, the fee is $2.17 (multiplied by the average number of lives covered under the plan).

Background PCORI fees are imposed on plan sponsors of applicable self-insured health plans for each plan year ending on or after October 1, 2012 and before October 1, 2019. The fees support research to evaluate and compare health outcomes and the clinical effectiveness of certain medical treatments, services, procedures, and drugs.

For plan years ending on or after October 1, 2014 and before October 1, 2015, the fee for an employer sponsoring an applicable self-insured plan is $2.08 multiplied by the average number of lives covered under the plan. Details on how to determine the average number of lives covered under a plan, as well as various examples, are included in final regulations.

Fee Increase Pursuant to IRS Notice 2015-60, for plan years ending on or after October 1, 2015 and before October 1, 2016, the fee is $2.17 (multiplied by the average number of lives covered under the plan).

For plan years ending on or after October 1, 2016 and before October 1, 2019, the fee will be further adjusted to reflect inflation in National Health Expenditures (which will be published in future IRS guidance).

Our PCORI fees for self-insured plans section within the Client Resource Center Library features additional information on calculating and paying the fee.