On September 21, 2021, Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) introduced H.R. 5318. This bipartisan bill will provide much-needed relief for employers seeking to comply with the reporting requirements under Section 6055 and 6056 for enforcement of the ACA's individual and employer mandates. NAIFA believes the passage of this legislation would greatly assist in addressing new challenges employers face under the health-reform law.
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Representatives Introduce Legislation to Ease the ACA's Employer Reporting Requirements
By Mike Hedge on 9/30/21 5:23 PM
Topics: Health Care Affordable Care Act Federal Advocacy Congress
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NAIFA and Industry Partners Request Non-Enforcement Period for Sec. 202 of the No Surprises Act
By NAIFA Government Relations Team on 8/3/21 5:09 PM
On Monday, July 26, NAIFA and our industry partners, The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor requesting an initial non-enforcement period for Section 202 of the No Surprises Act.
Topics: Health Care Federal Advocacy DOL
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NAIFA Shares Concerns About Public Option Health Care With Lawmakers
By Mike Hedge on 8/3/21 3:07 PM
NAIFA submitted comments July 31 to Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) in response to a request by the lawmakers for information on potential legislation to develop a public health insurance option. NAIFA shares the goal of expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare to all Americans. NAIFA firmly believes in the integrity of the employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) system and ability of employers to select coverage options that fit the unique needs of their employees.
Topics: Health Care Federal Advocacy
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COBRA Premium Assistance: What NAIFA Members Need to Know
By NAIFA Government Relations Team on 4/8/21 11:45 PM
In March, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, which included provisions that provide 100% COBRA subsidies from April 1 through September 30 of 2021.
Topics: Health Care Federal Advocacy Advocacy Resources COBRA
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Special Enrollment Period for Marketplace Coverage Begins Feb. 15
By NAIFA Government Relations Team on 2/12/21 3:19 PM
On Friday, February 12, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that, in accordance with an Executive Order signed by President Biden, a Special Enrollment Period for the Health Insurance Marketplace will be available in the 36 states using the HealthCare.gov platform. The SEP will be available from Monday, February 15, through Saturday, May 15 for most states.
Topics: Health Care Federal Advocacy CMS
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Health Care Marketplace Special Enrollment Period to Open Feb. 15 - May 15
By NAIFA on 1/29/21 12:20 PM
In case you missed it, HealthCare.gov sent a notice that the Department of Health and Human Services has announced a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for individuals and families for Marketplace coverage in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency the notice says:
Topics: Health Care Federal Advocacy CMS
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NAIFA Members Participate in CMS Roundtable for Agents/Brokers
By NAIFA Government Relations Team on 1/14/21 6:47 PM
On Wednesday, January 13, NAIFA members Elie Harriett and Alan Winstead participated in an invitation-only roundtable hosted by the Department for Health and Human Services’ Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services. The discussion centered around marketplace policies and initiatives that impact agents and brokers.
Topics: Health Care Federal Advocacy CMS
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Repeal of Health Insurers' Antitrust Exemption Likely to Harm Consumers
By NAIFA on 12/23/20 11:13 AM
On December 22, the Senate voted to repeal the McCarran-Ferguson antitrust exemption for health insurance companies by passing HR 1418, the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act. The House passed the bill on Sept. 21. President Donald J. Trump is expected to sign the bill into law later this week.
Topics: Health Care Federal Advocacy
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Spending Bill Loosens Restrictions on FSAs
By NAIFA on 12/23/20 11:01 AM
As part of the COVID relief package passed by Congress, NAIFA-backed Flexible Spending Account (FSA) relief was included to relieve some of the financial burden consumers face regarding healthcare costs and health spending account allocations. Known as the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, (CAA) it includes provisions extending FSA benefits to those enrolled in such plans.