HEALTH CARE REFORM LEGISLATION
November 13, 2009
What’s at Issue
On November 7, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives approved by a slim margin (220-215) the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962). This comprehensive legislation intends to overhaul our nation’s health care system. Click here to view the roll call vote on H.R. 3962.
Since completion of H.R. 3962, attention is now focused on the United States Senate where two versions of health care reform exist (S. 1679), the Affordable Health Choice Act introduced by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and (S. 1796), America’s Healthy Future Act, introduced by the Senate Committee on Finance. Currently, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is reviewing both Senate bills to come up with the cost analysis while Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) works with the White House to merge the bills together. Both bills seek to make purchasing health insurance coverage more affordable and attainable for all Americans.
Why It’s Important
The House bill (H.R. 3962) contains a public health care option and requires all individuals to have health insurance, requires most employers to provide health insurance, and bans insurance companies from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions.
The Senate bill (S. 1796) also contains a public health care option but allows states to opt-out. Additionally, it requires all individuals to have health insurance and would create state-based Web portals, or ‘‘exchanges,’’ that would direct consumers to all available health plan options. Small businesses would have access to state-based Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) exchanges. The bill provides tax incentives for small businesses; however, by calculation the health care mandate for all employees is more costly than the tax credit can accommodate.
Major Provisions
Very few provisions are the same in both the House and Senate bills. Please click here to view a detailed description of provisions included in each bill.
NATA Position
NATA is concerned about the level of expenditure that the federal government is undertaking for a new federal entitlement program and fears that such spending may not have the result the government intends – to provide affordable health care for all Americans. Congress’ health care reform will increase costs, raise taxes and burden small businesses with a new employer mandate to provide health care to all employees or face penalties, which not all employers can afford. During a time when our economy cannot afford to tax small businesses, NATA is concerned about the impact this legislation will have on its members.
Status
While the Senate bills, S. 1679 and S.1796, await the fate of the CBO analysis on the bill’s price tag to the federal government, the future timeline hasn’t been officially established. However, Senate Majority Leader Reid has issued a self-imposed deadline of final passage of senate health care reform legislation by the end of the year.
If the Senate is able to approve a bill, the real question is whether Congress can agree on a final bill in conference negotiations. With significant fundamental differences between the House and Senate bills, final passage of comprehensive health care reform is going to be a difficult feat.
View this report in PDF format.
Staff Contact: Kristen Moore
Director, Legislative Affairs
kmoore@nata.aero