March 3, 2019
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.), Ami Bera (D-Calif.), Kenny Marchant (R-Texas), and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) last week introduced H.R. 1398, the Health Insurance Tax Relief Act. This bill would stop the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Tax (HIT) from going into effect until after 2021 and save consumers hundreds of dollars. According to America’s Health Insurance Plans, the HIT could increase premiums by over $470 per family in 2020 if not stopped. The tax would also hit seniors and those with disabilities particularly hard.
“When it comes to health care, Americans are facing rising costs and fewer options,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “Raising taxes on health coverage would only make matters worse for families, small businesses, and Medicare Advantage enrollees. As we continue working to lower premiums for families and seniors, we need to pass this bipartisan bill to provide relief from the burdensome Health Insurance Tax.”
“Failing to pass this bill, which would ensure the Health Insurance Tax is delayed for another two years, would cause millions of American families to see higher health insurance premiums,” Congressman Ami Bera, M.D., said. “In a time of rising premiums and health care costs, preventing the health insurance tax from adding to those costs is necessary as we work to stabilize the insurance markets and lower health care costs. We should pass this bill today.”
“At a time when healthcare markets are beginning to stabilize, the last thing my constituents need is a tax driving their costs back up,” Congressman Kenny Marchant said. “The Health Insurance Tax (HIT) would do just that, and as much as I would like to see it repealed outright, this bill is a step in the right direction by delaying the tax from going into effect.”
“When it comes to taxes, the people of New Jersey have had more than enough. They want and deserve lower taxes — and they want lower health care costs,” Congressman Josh Gottheimer said. “That’s why I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Health Insurance Tax Relief Act, which stops a tax on health care premium in its tracks. I will keep working across the aisle to protect our health care and deliver commonsense tax cuts for Fifth District families.”
Walorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.