Affordable Care Act: Business Groups Double Down

After last month’s ruling by the Supreme Court in King v. Burwell made it clear that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is here to stay, organizations that say the law is excessively burdensome for businesses are turning to Congress.

In a letter to Senate leaders this week, the National Retail Federation (NRF) and 23 other trade groups asked that lawmakers “put priority attention toward easing the cost and compliance burdens” that have long been a source of frustration for businesses.

“Though the broader debate continues with respect to the ACA overall, there are numerous bipartisan bills that could bring real relief to the employers we represent and their employees. We encourage you to work together to help advance these bipartisan changes to the ACA,” the groups wrote in the letter  (opens in a new tab) [PDF] delivered to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Harry Reid  (D-NV).

A priority for the groups is a change in the law’s definition of full-time employment, for purposes of eligibility for employer-sponsored health insurance, from 30 hours per week to 40.

“The Supreme Court decision should provide the pressure needed to thaw out congressional intransigence over healthcare and pave the way for both parties, Congress, and the administration to work together to reform the ACA to make it more practical and reasonable. The nation’s business community will not stand by as partisan bickering trumps prudent changes,” NRF Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French said in a statement on the ruling last month  (opens in a new tab).

Other trade groups that signed the letter to McConnell and Reid include the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the International Franchise Association, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, and the Society of American Florists.

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