Heinrich, Rounds, Courtney, and Kelly Urge House and Senate Leadership to Fully Repeal 40% Tax on Employer-Sponsored Health Plans and Control Out of Pocket Costs for Patients

Today, Senators Heinrich (D-NM) and Rounds (R-SD), and Representatives Courtney (D-CT) and Kelly (R-PA), wrote to House and Senate leadership to strongly urge against further delay of repeal of the so-called "Cadillac tax" on high premium employer-sponsored health insurance. Legislation introduced by Rep. Joe Courtney and Rep. Mike Kelly (H.R 748) to fully repeal the tax passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelming 419-6 vote earlier this year. Identical legislation introduced by Senators Heinrich and Rounds (S. 684) has 63 bipartisan cosponsors.

In their bipartisan, bicameral letter, the Members wrote:

"The status quo creates uncertainty as employers, and employee representatives negotiate benefits packages that extend well into 2022, when the tax is currently set to go into effect. A fourth delay is not a viable option. The ongoing uncertainty is already threatening the quality of employer sponsored health insurance. The time is now to act in the best interest of the American people and repeal the Cadillac Tax."

The Members' full letter has been included below, and you can click here to read it online.

Last week, more than 1,000 employers and stakeholders sent a similar letter, underscoring the breath of support for repeal.

On Wednesday of this week, the Members will be available on a conference call with reporters to discuss the urgent need to fully repeal the 40% Cadillac Tax before the start of the new year. The call will begin promptly at 4:00pm on Wednesday, December 11. Interested members of the press can join Wednesday's conversation by phone at (202) 228-0808, or toll free at (855) 428-0808. Once dialed-in, use Conference ID 89616.

On the call, the Members will also discuss new polling that shows the American public is deeply concerned about rising out-of-pocket health costs, and the impact the 40% tax has on their deductibles and cost sharing.

WHO: Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD)

Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT)

Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WHAT: Press call to discuss need to fully repeal 40% excise tax and new polling on the American public's views on taxation of employer sponsored health insurance

WHERE: By phone at (202) 228-0808, or toll free at (855) 428-0808;

Conference ID: 89616

WHEN: Wednesday, December 11, 4:00pm ET

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