ABC Jan. 18 offered support for H.R. 2, Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act, and H. Res. 9, “Instructing certain committees to report legislation replacing the job-killing health care law,” both of which stay true to the Republican’s promise to repeal and replace the job-crushing Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
In a letter
sent to all members of the U.S. House of Representatives ABC pointed out that PPACA does nothing to address the rising cost of health care and instead places new and costly mandates on small businesses.
“Throughout the health care reform debate, ABC called on Congress to advance common-sense proposals that would address the skyrocketing costs of health insurance, especially for employer-sponsored plans, and the rapidly rising number of uninsured Americans,” the letter stated.
ABC pointed out that many provisions in PPACA stifle the ability of small businesses to plan for the future, hire additional employees or invest in equipment or facilities. The letter listed seven measures that directly harm ABC members:
- An employer mandate encouraging job cuts
- New taxes, fees and mandates specifically targeted at the small business community New taxes on small business health insurance policies
- Onerous 1099 paperwork information reporting mandates
- Higher insurance costs due to new mandated benefits
- Increases in Medicare payroll taxes
- Prohibitions on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) that limit employer and employee flexibility.
ABC also noted steps that need to be taken in order to achieve truly affordable health care. ABC advocated for medical malpractice tort reform; Small Business Health Plans; expanded access and higher contribution levels for HSAs; and portability of benefits.
A vote in the House of Representatives for H.R. 2 is scheduled for Jan. 19 and a vote for H. Res. 9 is expected Jan. 20. Both measures are expected to pass.
For more information on ABC’s position on health care reform, visit ABC’s website.