OVERVIEW
Following the midterm elections, Republicans in the U.S. Senate have indicated that they will no longer attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The midterms created a power split in Congress, with Democrats retaking control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Republicans retaining control of the Senate.
Many Democrats campaigned on health care issues, including retaining the ACA’s popular protection for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) has recognized that the Democrat-controlled House will not support any proposals to repeal and replace the ACA. Instead, lawmakers have indicated that they may work together, on a bipartisan basis, to make small changes to improve the ACA.
ACTION STEPS
A Democrat-controlled House will shield the ACA from repeal for at least the next two years. As a result, the ACA will remain current law and employers must continue to comply with all applicable ACA provisions.
