H.R. 1628, the Healthcare Freedom Act of 2017, an Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute [S.A. 667]

As posted on the Senate Budget Committee website on July 27, 2017.

Summary

CBO and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) have prepared an estimate of the direct spending and revenue effects of H.R. 1628, the Healthcare Freedom Act of 2017.

MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE LEGISLATION

• Eliminate penalties associated with the requirements that most people obtain health insurance coverage (also known as the individual mandate) and that large employers offer their employees coverage that meets specified standards (also known as the employer mandate), while keeping those requirements in place. The penalties for large employers would be eliminated only through 2024.
• Eliminate the Prevention and Public Health Fund, beginning in 2019.
• Extend the moratorium on the excise tax on manufacturers and importers of certain medical devices through 2020.
• Increase the maximum contribution limit to Health Savings Accounts for 2018-2020.
• Provide funding for grants to states for applying for or implementing waivers allowed under section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act.
• Increase the amount of funding authorized for and appropriated to the Community Health Center Fund, which provides grant funds to health centers that offer primary and preventive care to patients regardless of their ability to pay.
• Prohibit federal funds from being made available, for one year, to certain entities that provide abortions.