NTU urges all Representatives to vote “YES” on H.R. 3762, the “Restoring Americans’ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015.” This legislation would repeal critical components of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) under expedited consideration.
In accordance with the FY2016 Budget Resolution, S. Con. Res. 21, H.R. 3762 contains numerous pro-taxpayer provisions recommended by the Education and Workforce, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means Committees. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill would reduce the deficit by $130 billion over 10 years.
Key pro-taxpayer components of the legislation include:
Repeal Individual Mandate: The crux of PPACA, the individual mandate – forcing people to buy a product – is especially repugnant to taxpayers and about to become even harder to bear. In 2016, the penalty for noncompliance jumps to $2,085 per family or 2.5 percent of household income, whichever is greater.
Repeal Employer Mandate: This provision, which will hit a larger number of businesses next year, may force employers to cut hours and positions and discourages growth.
Repeal Medical Device Tax: This 2.3 percent excise tax has resulted in approximately 33,000 jobs lost or not created due to lay-offs and hiring freezes, according to AvaMed. Higher costs imposed by the tax are passed on to consumers, a majority of whom are seniors on fixed incomes.
Repeal Prevention Slush-Fund: The Prevention and Public Health Fund subsidizes wasteful activities such as paying community activist groups to enroll people in flawed health exchanges.
Opinion may vary as to the most prudent path forward toward full repeal and replacement of PPACA with a free-market alternative. However, it is vital to take every legislative opportunity to protect Americans from PPACA’s most harmful facets and work toward removing major obstacles to consumer-based, pro-taxpayer health care reform. Even as lawmakers continue to work toward full repeal, increasing individual choice, repealing taxes, and promoting small business growth are each worthwhile endeavors deserving of support.
Roll call votes on H.R. 3762 will be significantly weighted in our annual Rating of Congress and a “Yes” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Federal Affairs Manager Nan Swift at (703) 683-5700