RILA seeks release of employer healhcare regulations

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Retail Industry Leaders Association is urging President Obama and his administration to release proposed healthcare regulations that will affect nearly 170 million Americans currently receiving employer-sponsored health coverage.

"President Obama repeatedly assured Americans that if they liked their health insurance, they could keep it. However, today, with less than a year and a half until the law takes effect, and no meaningful implementation guidelines available for employers, those assurances are in doubt," said RILA President Sandy Kennedy.



In a letter sent to the White House, Kennedy noted that since the enactment of the ACA (Affordable Care Act), RILA and its member companies have had numerous constructive conversations with, and provided policy recommendations to regulators. Employers have been deprived of regulations necessary to comply with the law's numerous requirements. Retailers are seriously concerned about burdensome, inflexible regulations that provide no time for implementation and could prevent employers from continuing to offer quality, affordable health care.



"While retailers are committed to continuing to provide health coverage to their employees, overregulation jeopardizes their ability to do so," said Kennedy.



RILA continues to urge the Administration to recognize the unique challenges facing retailers, and not issue regulations that hinder retailers' ability to maintain flexible work options and affordable health coverage for their employees.



"RILA looks forward to discussing these concerns with the Administration and ensuring that retailers can continue to offer quality, affordable coverage that fits the unique needs of their workforce and provides coverage to millions of employees and their families," Kennedy concluded.



A copy of the letter is available here.