Press Releases

House Education and the Workforce Committee leaders today introduced two legislative proposals as part of a broader effort to advance patient-centered health care reform. The Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act (H.R. 1313), introduced by Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), would provide much-needed regulatory clarity to the rules surrounding popular employee wellness programs that help lead to lower insurance premiums and a healthier workforce. The Self-Insurance Protection Act (H.R. 1304), introduced by Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), would reaffirm long-standing policies to ensure employers can continue to offer workers flexible, more affordable health care plans through self-insurance.

Upon introduction of H.R. 1313 and H.R. 1304, Chairwoman Foxx and Rep. Roe released the following statements:

“Employee wellness programs have long enjoyed bipartisan support because they result in lower health care costs and a healthier workforce,” Chairwoman Foxx said. “Remarkably, the Obama administration undermined these popular programs by advancing partisan regulatory schemes. This bill will ensure employers have the legal certainty they need to offer this innovative benefit, which provides working families with greater control over their health care dollars. As we move forward with meaningful health care reform, promoting employee wellness programs must be part of the process to deliver the relief the American people need.”

“After years of living with the consequences of Obamacare, Americans need more — not fewer — choices when it comes to getting the affordable coverage they deserve,” Rep. Roe said. “This bill will ensure employers are able to continue offering innovative, flexible health plans that fit the unique needs of their employees, and it will give countless others the certainty they need to do the same. Republicans have promised the American people a better way on health care, and this is one step we can take to deliver the positive solutions that will get us there.”

For a fact sheet on the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act, click here.

For a fact sheet on the Self-Insurance Protection Act, click here.

 

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