STORY

Health Insurance Tax repealed by Congress

December 19, 2019

President Donald Trump on Friday signed legislation funding the federal government through the remainder of the fiscal year that includes permanently repealing the Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Tax (HIT) starting in 2021. Permanently repealing the HIT eliminates a key driver of health care costs and will improve the affordability of health care for millions of Americans.

 

Why Stopping the HIT Matters

Repealing the HIT has been a key initiative for UnitedHealth Group.

“The repeal of the tax on health insurance and other health care taxes is a major step forward in improving the affordability of health care starting in 2021, when the new law goes into effect. UnitedHealthcare is taking immediate action to ensure the repeal of the tax on health insurance will be fully reflected in the value people receive from their health care, lowering the cost of coverage for those affected, including individuals, small and midsize businesses, and seniors who receive coverage through our Medicare Advantage policies. We applaud government’s efforts to repeal these taxes and commit to ensure people fully realize the value of this change in law.”

Congress passed bipartisan legislation to delay the HIT for 2017 and 2019. The 2019 delay saved consumers 2.2% on their premiums, according to the consulting group Oliver Wyman. Under current law, the HIT was scheduled to return next year and cost families, employers and governments an estimated $15.5 billion.

How the HIT Impacted Americans

According to Oliver Wyman and UnitedHealth Group, the return of the HIT would have:

  • Increased premiums for families with small group coverage by $479.
  • Increased health care costs for families with large group coverage by $458.
  • Increased Medicaid costs by $4.4 billion.
  • Increased premiums for consumers for consumers in the individual market by $196.

Learn more information about the Health Insurance Tax here.