RILA Comments on Employer Health Care Regulations

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) issued the following statement in response to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) employer mandate proposed rules filed today in the Federal Register.

 “RILA applauds the Treasury Department for including flexible solutions in the proposed rules, which were developed with input from our member companies and the Employers for Flexibility in Health Care Coalition,” said Christine Pollack, vice president for government affairs. “Employers are committed to providing their employees with quality and affordable health benefits. Nonetheless, with the law’s effective date less than a year away, employers still face enormous challenges and costs to comply with the health law.”
RILA has engaged closely with the Treasury Department and other administration agencies in an effort to shape the complex rulemaking process. Last month in a letter to President Obama, RILA highlighted the effect the overdue rules would have on employers. Specifically, RILA has argued that with no time left to reasonably comply with implementation rules, transition relief is needed to allow employers to adapt existing benefits and design future benefits to comply with the law.

“RILA appreciates the inclusion of transition relief in the proposed rules for non-calendar year employer-sponsored health plans. However, relief is still needed for the employer-sponsored plans that must comply with the law in less than a year. Without it, well-intentioned employers will be subject to a variety of penalties, and coverage for millions of Americans could be jeopardized,” said Pollack.
RILA, the trade association of the world’s largest and most innovative retail companies, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, promotes consumer choice and economic freedom through public policy and industry operational excellence. Our members provide millions of jobs and operate more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad. RILA members offer quality and affordable health care to their employees and families, and are leaders in benefits design by customizing plans to meet their workforces’ specific needs.