House passes ACA individual mandate exemption bill

The House approved legislation calling for individuals who lost health insurance because of co-op closures to be excused this year from the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate, The Hill reports.

Here are four things to know.

1. Legislators voted 258-165 to pass the Republican-sponsored bill. Sixteen Democrats supported the bill.

2.  Republicans argue the legislation protects individuals who have no control over mid-year payer closures. Democrats argue the bill is unnecessary because individuals affected by co-op closures are eligible for special enrollment periods. 

3. The White House said the bill infringes the individual mandate and its aim to prevent individuals from only purchasing health insurance when ill. The White House added that it may veto the bill.

4. Arizona Sen. John McCain (R) proposed separate legislation earlier this month calling for individuals in areas with one or fewer insurers offering ACA plans be exempt from the individual mandate.   

More articles about payer issues:
BCBS of Texas commits to offering ACA plans for 2017
House will vote on ACA individual mandate exemption bill
Aetna looks toward social programs for healthcare reform

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