Bipartisan Lawmakers Urge Congress to Fight the 40% Tax on Employee Benefits

Bipartisan Lawmakers Urge Congress 

to Fight the 40% Tax on Employee Benefits

On December 2, bipartisan lawmakers of the Senate and House and representatives of large and small businesses, a national patient organization, and the 11^th largest public retirement system joined the Alliance to Fight the 40 at a media event to raise awareness on the need to repeal the 40% tax on employee benefits.

Just one day after the event, the Senate voted 90-10 to approve an amendment to fully repeal the tax. This overwhelming support is coupled with 283 cosponsors on House legislation to repeal the tax, which is just 7 shy of reaching the 290 members needed for a veto proof majority.

Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV) argued the tax would cause Americans that rely on employer-sponsored health plans “reduced benefits, increased premiums and higher deductibles,” and Sen. Martin Heinrich echoed these sentiments, adding that the Cadillac Tax means “less access to primary care.”

Rep. Frank Guinta (R-NH) made note that “the White House recognizes the level of bipartisan support” to repeal the Cadillac Tax. He added, “Now it’s time to act!”

Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) asked for a full repeal of the Cadillac Tax stating, “We can join together to…keep health insurance affordable for every working family.” Along with Sen. Sherrod Brown, the four lawmakers have taken on a large role in the effort to repeal the tax, sending a letter to the president requesting a discussion about the negative impact the Cadillac Tax will have on workers that rely on employer-sponsored healthcare.

These and other leaders are working to ensure that American workers, retirees, and patients with chronic illnesses are all able to afford their healthcare without worrying about the Cadillac Tax raising costs. Now is the time to take action and fight to repeal this tax altogether.