Latest Health Reform News
On July 28, the Senate failed once again to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan said in a statement, “We are very disappointed by the Senate’s inability to repeal Obamacare. The skyrocketing cost of healthcare was made worse by Obamacare, and now, after seven years of promises to repeal it, small businesses will continue to endure Obamacare’s crushing taxes and mandates.” Read our full press release >>
Please check back here for updates.
NFIB’s Small Business Health Reform Principles
Small businesses deserve health insurance that is affordable, flexible, and predictable. Repeal of the ACA is not enough. A replacement that repairs the health insurance markets is the only suitable outcome for small businesses. Read NFIB’s Small Business Health Reform Principles >>
WATCH: NFIB member tells Congress about his challenges with healthcare
WATCH: NFIB testifies to Congress on reform that works for small business
HELPFUL LINKS
- NFIB comments to the Department of Health and Human Services recommending changes to problematic Affordable Care Act regulations. These comments are just one piece of NFIB’s fight for affordable, flexible, and predictable health insurance solutions for small business owners. Read NFIB’s comments >>
- View NFIB President and CEO Juanita D. Duggan’s interview on Fox Business Network’s Cavuto: Coast to Coast
- Senate Bill: Better Care and Reconciliation Act of 2017 | PDF
- Text of H.R. 1628: American Health Care Act of 2017 (as reported) | PDF | XML
- Amendment #32 offered by the Hon. Gary Palmer (AL) and David Schweikert (AZ) | PDF
The amendment creates a $15 billion risk sharing program to help states lower premiums for health coverage offered in the individual market. Section-by-Section Summary PDF - Amendment #33 offered by the Hon. Thomas MacArthur (NJ) | PDF
The amendment allows states to waive essential health benefits, age rating, and community rating. Health insurers would not be allowed to [deny coverage,] discriminate based on gender or [limit access based on] preexisting conditions. States must explain how the waiver will reduce average premiums for patients, increase enrollment for residents, stabilize the state’s health insurance market, stabilize premiums for individuals living with preexisting conditions, or increase patients’ health care plan options. Section-by-Section Summary PDF - Amendment #34 offered by the Hon. Fred Upton | PDF
The amendment increases the Patient and State Stability Fund by $8 billion from 2018 to 2023 to States with an approved community rating waiver, as established by the MacArthur Amendment, for providing assistance to reduce premiums or other out-of-pocket costs to individuals who may who may be subject to an increase in their monthly premium rates as a result of the States waiver. The amendment also resolves two minor technical drafting amendments, including the correction of an inaccurate cross-reference and to ensure proper labeling of subsections. Section-by-Section Summary PDF
