Us Congress House Bill HJR181

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/2/24
• Refer: 7/2/24
• Report Pass: 9/11/24

Caption

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Definition of 'Employer'-Association Health Plans".

Impact

If enacted, HJR181 would effectively nullify the Department of Labor's rule, leading to a reinstatement of previous standards defining employer eligibility in health plan participation. This could potentially affect a significant number of small businesses and associations that were expecting to streamline their health benefits offerings by utilizing association plans. The legislative move has been framed by sponsors as a necessary step to protect workers from inadequate health insurance coverage that could arise from non-compliance with traditional employer standards.

Summary

HJR181 is a joint resolution that provides for congressional disapproval of a rule submitted by the Department of Labor regarding the definition of 'Employer' in the context of Association Health Plans. This rule, which was published in the Federal Register, aimed to clarify the conditions under which organizations could be recognized as employers for the purpose of offering health plans. The resolution seeks to negate this rule altogether, asserting that it does not comply with the deemed standards or expectations of health-care regulation as envisioned by Congress. The major intent of this resolution is to reinforce and consolidate the definitions and responsibilities relating to employer health coverage delivery.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HJR181 appears largely supportive among those who believe that the rule undermines worker protections. Proponents argue that the rule could allow for exploitation through loopholes in health coverage, leading to inferior insurance options for employees. Conversely, some critics have concerns that repealing the rule may limit the ability of small businesses to pool resources effectively to provide healthcare options that would be competitively priced, which could have a contrasting negative impact on employment benefits for certain worker demographics.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding HJR181 involves the extent of regulatory power exercised by the Department of Labor in defining employer roles. Sponsors and supporters of the resolution argue that the Department overstepped its bounds by imposing definitions that could be too broad, leading to situations where true employer responsibilities are obscured. On the other side, defenders of the Department's rule contend that it enhances flexibility and acknowledges evolving business structures in providing health coverage. As such, the debate reflects broader discussions about the balance of regulatory authority and its implications for healthcare access.