Earlier today, the United States Senate released its version of changes to the Affordable Care Act. Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the American Health Care Act and sent the bill to the Senate for consideration. See our article on the AHCA by clicking here.
The Senate’s version of the AHCA, called the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, keeps many of the House’s reform provisions, including eliminating expansions to Medicaid and shifting control to the states.
Notable for employers, the Better Care Reconciliation Act removes both the individual mandate and the employer mandate. If passed, employers will no longer be subject to a tax penalty if they fail to offer employees health coverage. Similarly, individuals will no longer be subject to a tax penalty for failing to maintain health coverage.
The Better Care Reconciliation Act is labeled a “Discussion Draft.” It is anticipated to be brought for a Senate vote in the coming weeks. Employers should be following the process of the bill as it moves out of committee for consideration.
A copy of the Better Care Reconciliation Act can be accessed by clicking here.
