You have no doubt seen many articles, news releases or media reports on the House passage on May 4th on the amended American Health Care Act or AHCA (H.R. 1628). The vote, 217 to 213, was on strict party lines with 20 Republicans joining 193 Democrats in voting against the measure.
In Pennsylvania, 13 Republicans voted for the Act, including Congressmen Barletta, Marino, Smucker and Perry while Congressmen Dent, Costello, Fitzpatrick and Meehan were no votes. The split among Pennsylvania’s Republicans is indicative of the inner turmoil within the Republican Party when it comes to any attempt to repeal Obamacare.
We would like to provide you with an in-depth summary of the newly amended AHCA but what’s the point? We are right back where we were in March. Nothing has changed yet. (For those dying for the details, the attached ACA Compliance Bulletin is provided for your reading pleasure.)
The amended AHCA now moves on to the Senate where passage is far from certain and where most experts expect a significant rewrite. The biggest point of debate is the roll back of the ACA’s Medicaid expansion in 2020 which could have significant impact in states with Republican Senators and Governors. The Senate is not expected to act quickly and if that body is able to pass its version of the AHCA it would then need to go back to the House.
Our advice? Stay the course. Manage your business and benefits plan as you do today. Obamacare is still the law of the land with its mandates, coverage rules, taxes and reporting requirements. If and when Congress passes final legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare, we will be right there with our review and provide you with the needed guidance, advice and suggested next steps.
For now enjoy the early summer weather, and if you have any questions, contact Matt Pfeiffenberger via email at mapfeiffenberger@murrayins.com or (717) 381-2120.
Share this Post