The American Benefits Council offered detailed recommendations with respect to tax reform in a July 17 letter to the Senate Finance Committee, urging lawmakers to strengthen the tax incentives for employer-sponsored health insurance and retirement plans. The letter also included numerous suggestions for reducing employer burdens and improving outcomes for participants and beneficiaries.
Senate Republican leaders have released the latest version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), a measure to repeal and replace large sections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The latest version of the legislation includes a number of changes designed to shore up support within the caucus, though none of these significantly affect employer-sponsored plans. An official section-by-section summary of BCRA is also available.
On July 13, Senate Republican leaders released the latest version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), a measure to repeal and replace large sections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The latest version of the legislation includes a number of changes designed to shore up support within the caucus, though none of these significantly affect employer-sponsored plans.
The Council appreciates the opportunity to provide comment to HHS with respect to ongoing efforts to reduce regulatory burdens and improve health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act and to provide for a health care system that adheres to the principles of affordability, quality, innovation and empowerment.
In a July 6 decision, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled in favor of a group of retirement plan participants seeking relief in a cash balance plan conversion case.
In a party-line vote on June 27, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a measure to impose stronger limits on medical malpractice lawsuits. The Council had signed on to a joint letter with other trade associations supporting the measure.
On June 26, the Congressional Budget Office issued its initial revenue score of the bill, estimating that it will reduce the deficit by $321 billion over ten years while also resulting in 22 million more Americans uninsured in 2026 than under the ACA. Of these 22 million additional uninsured, 15 million would be Americans losing Medicaid coverage.
