Senate to Consider Health Law Bill Before End of June?

Legal Alert

June 19, 2017

Last week, a story in the Washington Post (6/15, Sullivan, Snell), stated that the Senate was poised to consider the health care bill by the end of the month, before the summer recess. However, the article also states that other Republicans were “skeptical” that the Senate would be able to vote on the bill before the recess. What we do know is that the "repeal and replace" of the ACA (Affordable Care Act) in the Senate is being conducted behind closed doors by 13 Republican Senators. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) continues to push for a vote before the July 4 Senate recess, but whether that happens is anyone's guess-just like the final provisions of the bill, which remain shrouded in secrecy. We will continue to follow the bill and will post any updates in this Blog.

In other news, the US House voted to extend monthly tax credits to individuals who are participating in continuation coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA). This bill, the Broader Options for Americans Act (H.R. 25679), was approved by a vote of 267-144 , with 41 Democrats joining a united GOP. One note. this bill is only effective if the American Health Care Act of 2017 (the ACA replacement plan) is passed by the Senate and signed into law.