As you know, a few weeks ago Senate Republicans drafted a bill, the Better Care Reconciliation Act (“BCRA”), in an effort to repeal and replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“ACA”). If you remember, Republicans currently hold a 52-member majority in the Senate, therefore Senate Republicans are left with a two member margin for defectors, assuming that no Democrats vote for the bill. As of today, four Republican Senators have indicated their opposition, therefore, the Senate likely does not have the requisite number of votes to pass the BCRA. Consequently, it appears, at least for now, that the BCRA will not pass without significant amendments.
While it is unclear what the next move will be, Majority Leader McConnell issued a statement indicating the Senate’s intent to move back to the original plan to repeal the ACA first, with a replacement bill to be developed at some point down the road. However, many Senate leaders, from both sides of the political aisle, have already announced their opposition to a repeal-only approach.
As of now, the ACA is still the law of the land and employers are encouraged to continue operating, business as usual, under this assumption.
As always, Innovative is committed to providing you with updates on the ongoing, changing, dynamic health care reform regulations. Should you have any benefits related questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 888-427-7383.
