LessFICA is a paid affiliate of IronGate Business Advisors and earns compensation when clients it refers enroll in an IronGate program.
For employers
How does the program create FICA savings?
A fixed pre-tax deduction is applied to each participating employee's paycheck. That lowers taxable wages, so the employer's FICA (still 7.65%) is calculated on a smaller amount.
How much could we save?
Up to $1,186 per eligible full-time W-2 employee per year (about $46 per bi-weekly payroll), and up to $685 per eligible part-time W-2 employee per year (about $26 per bi-weekly payroll). Your actual figure comes from the payroll review.
*Benefit availability and tax treatment are subject to employee eligibility, participation status, and applicable federal regulations. Not all employees will qualify for all benefits described. Benefits, contribution amounts, and coverage features may vary based on payroll structure, employment classification, hours worked, and plan administration. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice.
Is this a tax credit?
No. It's a tax savings, not a credit, realized each time you run payroll.
Is it IRS approved?
We don't claim IRS approval. The program materials state it is designed to comply with the Internal Revenue Code (including §105(b), §106(a), §213(d), §125 and §104(a)(3)), ERISA, HIPAA and ADA regulations. The program says its full opinion letter and actuarial analysis are available for review by your attorney, CFO or tax professional.
Does it cost anything out of pocket?
No. Program fees are covered by the employer and employee payroll tax savings, so there are no out-of-pocket costs for the employer or employees.
What are the program's fees?
There are program fees, but they're covered by the employee and employer payroll tax savings the program creates, so there are no out-of-pocket fees or costs for the employer or employees. Fees and savings may vary by state.
Does it replace our current health plan?
No. It doesn't replace existing health plans. Employees can keep their current coverage. If an employee has no major medical coverage, it can act as a stand-alone offering.
How many employees do we need?
20 or more W-2 employees.
Which employees are eligible?
Full-time employees who average 30+ hours a week and earn at least $26,000 a year. Part-time employees working 30 hours a week or under and earning at least $16,000 a year may also be eligible. Employees currently enrolled in Medicaid aren't eligible. 1099 contractors aren't eligible.
Is there a minimum participation rate?
The program's minimums are 20 or more W-2 employees, and full-time employees earning at least $26,000 a year. See "Which employees are eligible?" above for the full eligibility rules.
How long does implementation take?
Typical implementation takes about 4–6 weeks from the discovery call to first payroll savings.
What will we need to provide?
Payroll data after the discovery call, then an employee census later in the process. You'll also sign an engagement letter and carrier paperwork. Please don't send employee records through this site.
What happens on the discovery call?
A 20-minute call where a program advisor goes over the program with you and reviews your eligibility and potential savings. No obligation.
Does the program handle payroll setup?
Yes. The program team handles the technical payroll setup process.
Is it available in every state?
Yes. The program is available in all 50 US states. Fees and savings may vary by state.
Product availability and features may vary by state.
Who provides the virtual care?
The portal materials name Doctegrity as the virtual care and prescription provider.
For employees
Does it cost me anything?
Not out of pocket. There are program fees, but they're covered by the employee and employer payroll tax savings, so there are no out-of-pocket costs to you or your employer.
Will my take-home pay change?
No. Your take-home pay doesn't change. A program advisor can walk through paycheck details.
Can I keep my current insurance?
Yes. The program doesn't replace existing health plans.
Can my family use it?
The employee plus up to 7 additional household members can use the benefits, with no legal dependent relationship required. The MEC benefit covers the enrolled employee only.
Do I have to use the benefits a certain amount?
No. There's no utilization requirement.
Can I sign up on my own?
No. Employees can't enroll on their own. Your employer enrolls in the program, and employers need at least 20 W-2 employees to qualify. If you'd like these benefits, share this site with your employer.
Am I eligible?
See the employer eligibility answer above. Final eligibility is confirmed during your employer's eligibility review.
Do the benefits continue if I leave my job?
No. Nobody enrolls in the program individually. Your employer enrolls, which lets it offer the benefits to its active employees who earn at least $26,000 a year. The benefits don't continue after you leave the job.
Questions about MEC or the life insurance policy?
Those are answered only by a licensed program professional.
*The individual sharing this information is a referral partner and is not licensed to sell insurance or provide program guidance. All questions and enrollments related to the preventive care benefit plans will be handled exclusively by a licensed IronGate professional.
About LessFICA
Who runs this site?
LessFICA runs this site. We introduce employers to the program. A licensed IronGate professional handles all questions and enrollment.
Is LessFICA the plan provider?
No. We're a referral affiliate, not the provider, administrator or an insurance agency.