Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act
Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act
Plain Language Summary
# Bill Summary: Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act **What it does:** This bill would make two main changes to healthcare law. First, it would exempt people from the requirement to have health insurance if they live in counties where fewer than two insurance companies offer plans through the health insurance marketplace. Second, it would require certain executive branch employees and presidential appointees to buy their health insurance through the same public exchanges that other Americans use, rather than through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (a more comprehensive federal employee insurance option). **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts uninsured individuals in areas with limited insurance options and executive branch officials/appointees. It also potentially affects Congress members and their staff, though they already must use health exchanges under current law. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not been voted on by the full House.
It was introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) in the 119th Congress. Note: The official summary appears incomplete in the provided text.
CRS Official Summary
Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act This bill alters provisions relating to the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage (i.e., the individual mandate), as well as provisions relating to health care coverage for certain executive branch and congressional employees. Specifically, the bill exempts individuals from the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage if they reside in a county where fewer than two health insurers offer insurance on the health insurance exchange. Under current law, there is no penalty for failing to maintain minimum essential health care coverage. The bill also requires certain executive branch and congressional employees to participate in health insurance exchanges. Under current law, Members of Congress and their designated staff are required to obtain coverage through health insurance exchanges, rather than the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Current regulations authorize government contributions toward such coverage and require Members of Congress to designate which members of their staff are required to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill requires all congressional staff, including employees of congressional committees and leadership offices, to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill also prohibits Members of Congress from having the discretion to determine which of their employees are eligible to enroll through an exchange. Further, the President, Vice President, and executive branch political appointees must also obtain coverage through exchanges, rather than FEHB. The government is prohibited from contributing to or subsidizing the health insurance coverage of the officials and employees subject to this requirement, including Members of Congress and their staff.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, House Administration, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.