On July 25, Senate Finance Committee Chair Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with five colleagues, introduced legislation that would impose criminal penalties on “rogue” health insurance advisors who make changes to individuals’ Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance without the insureds’ knowledge or consent. The Insurance Fraud Accountability Act would impose fines on brokers who negligently provide incorrect enrollment information, and criminal liability if the provision of incorrect information is “knowingly and willfully false or fraudulent.”

NAIFA has joined forces with 70 organizations, employers, unions, patient and disease advocacy groups, and other healthcare stakeholders to emphasize the importance of maintaining the tax-free status of employer-provided healthcare coverage. In a united front, these organizations reminded Congress of the critical role this coverage plays in ensuring the health and financial security of nearly 180 million Americans.

On September 11, NAIFA submitted comments on the tri-agency (Departments of Health & Human Services (HHS), Labor (DOL) and Treasury) proposed regulations on short-term limited duration (STLD) health insurance, and on fixed payment (indemnity) health insurance.

On July 7, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury (the “tri-agency” reg) released a proposed regulation that would significantly and adversely impact short-term limited duration (STLD) and fixed payment (e.g., indemnity) health insurance.

On June 21, the House of Representatives approved legislation, H.R.3801, that would streamline the Affordable Care Act (ACA) required reporting. The Employer Reporting Improvement Act, sponsored by Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), passed by voice vote under suspension of the rules.

On June 21, the House of Representatives passed H.R.2868, the Association Health Plans Act (AHPA). The partisan vote was 220 to 209.

On June 7, the House Ways & Means Committee unanimously approved legislation, H.R.3801, that would streamline the Affordable Care Act (ACA) required reporting. The Employer Reporting Improvement Act, sponsored by Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), cleared the committee on a 37 to 0 vote. It is now ready for House floor action.

On June 6, the House Education & the Workforce Committee approved H.R.2868, the Association Health Plans Act (AHPA). The committee also favorably reported another health-related bill, H.R. 2813, the Self Insurance Protection Act (SIPA).

On April 12, the Centers for Medicare, and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized rules governing practices involving advising/selling Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D (prescription drug) plans. The rules cover practices applicable to plan sponsors, agents, brokers, and third-party marketing associations. The final rules reflect changes sought by NAIFA.