House-Passed ACA Amendments Pick Up Democratic Support

Federal Health Care Reform, Member-Driven Practice Initiatives

Late last week, 32 House Democrats joined with all Republicans to pass a bill that would repeal the Affordable Care Act's 2.3 percent tax on the U.S. sale of medical devices and change the ACA's definition of full-time employee from 30 to 40 hours.  The medical device tax went into effect last year, and the Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4) would issue refunds for all levies that have been paid.  Although the Senate is unlikely to bring up a similar bill before next year, should Republicans gain control of the Senate in the November elections, both health care provisions are likely to be brought up for debate early next year and the House vote demonstrates the strong potential for bipartisan action.