Today, the House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act (the “AHCA”). The AHCA was previously introduced in March but supporters failed to muster sufficient support to bring the legislation to a vote. Recently, however, the AHCA was given new life after House members agreed to an amendment that would allow states to waive
Cadillac Tax
Health Care Reform Update – American Health Care Act Shelved
By Damian A. Myers on
The American Health Care Act (“AHCA”), the legislation intended to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”), was shelved on Friday, March 24, 2017, ending for now efforts to repeal the ACA. The AHCA, described in our recent blog entry, was introduced on March 6, 2017 and immediately faced strong opposition from both sides of aisle. After failing to negotiate a compromise, President Trump issued an ultimatum to Congress to pass the legislation by March 24, 2017 or else the ACA would remain in place. Unable to muster enough support for the AHCA, Congress withdrew the bill.
American Health Care Act – Key Takeaways for Employers and Plan Sponsors
By Damian A. Myers on
On March 6, 2017, the House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee released budget reconciliation recommendations that will, after mark-up beginning on March 8th, form the American Health Care Act (the “AHCA”). The AHCA is intended to be the law that “repeals and replaces” the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”). The Ways and Means Committee bill certainly repeals most of the taxes applied under the ACA and the Energy and Commerce Committee bill significantly alters Medicaid and how that program is funded. Nevertheless, the AHCA would retain a number of key ACA provisions, albeit modified in some respects.
Back from the Dead – Cures Act Resurrects Premium Reimbursement Arrangements for Small Employers
By Damian A. Myers on
Last week, President Obama signed the 21st Century Cures Act (the “Cures Act”), which contains numerous provisions touching on a wide range of public health matters. Among the provisions is the creation of a new health benefit program available to small employers – the qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement (“QSEHRA”). The purpose of the QSEHRA is to allow small employers to reimburse their employees for premiums paid for insurance purchased on the individual market, a practice that was prohibited under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”).