To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Public Health Service Act to exempt certain employer-sponsored group health plans governed by ERISA from the Affordable Care Act's Essential Health Benefits requirements, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · July 21, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Employer Health Plan Flexibility Act would allow employer-sponsored health insurance plans governed by federal ERISA rules to opt out of providing the ten essential health benefits required under the Affordable Care Act, such as hospitalization, prescription drugs, and preventive care. The bill affects employers who offer group health plans and their employees, potentially allowing companies to design more limited and less costly insurance options. Employers using this exemption would be required to notify workers annually about which essential benefits are not covered and provide information about costs and coverage details. The bill preserves other federal protections including mental health parity requirements, nondiscrimination rules, and fiduciary duties, though it removes the specific mandate for comprehensive essential health benefits coverage. The changes would take effect for health plans beginning on or after January 1, 2028.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.