Health care and the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have been defining issues for presidential candidates this election season. A new report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans finds that if ACA is repealed, just over three in four employers (78%) would keep in place at least some of the provisions they have already implemented in their health plans.

5-18_If-ACA-Is-Repealed-Will-Employers-Keep-Mandated-Provisions_Large

Employers also report a wide range of provisions they would like to see reinstated in new legislation if ACA is repealed, with the top being elimination of preexisting condition exclusions, coverage of adult children to age 26 and increased wellness incentives. These are similar to the top ACA provisions employers believe their employees want to keep.

[Related: The Effects of ACA on Medical Expense Accounts (HSAs, FSAs and HRAs)]

“Employers have seen certain ACA provisions have a positive impact on their workforce,” explained Julie Stich, CEBS, research director at the International Foundation. “Mandates such as the elimination of preexisting condition exclusions and coverage of children until age 26 have allowed employees and their families to receive health care services that have made a positive impact on their physical, financial and emotional well-being.”

aca Survey infographic 1
When asked whether they would like to see ACA repealed entirely, 35% were in favor, 44% were opposed and 20% were unsure.  If ACA is repealed, a majority of employers predict a new health care reform bill being passed within the next four years if ACA.

2016 Employer-Sponsored Health Care: ACA’s Impact is the seventh survey in a series on how corporate health benefit plans are being affected by the Affordable Care Act. Survey responses were received from human resources and benefits professionals representing a wide base of U.S. employers from nearly 20 different industries and range in size from fewer than 50 to more than 10,000 employees.

Read the full report at www.ifebp.org/ACA2016.


Brenda Hofmann
Senior Communications Associate at the International Foundation

Online Training for Those Helping Consumers Enroll in Health Care Coverage

Staff

Senior Communications Associate at the International Foundation

Favorite Foundation service/product: Today’s Headlines

Benefits-related topics that grab her attention: Wellness, work/life balance, retirement security, unique perks, anything related to new mommas: maternity leave, pumping at work, on-site daycares, family friendly workplaces etc.​

Favorite Foundation event: The day we wait all year for–National Employee Benefits Day! Personal Insight: Brenda goes with the flow and this approach to life puts everyone around her at ease. Brenda enjoys the mix of roles she plays from public relations pro to new mom and wife.

Recommended Posts

The New Look of Virtual Care: What’s Right for Employers and Plan Sponsors?

Guest Contributor
 

Benefits Magazine Extras articles provide you with bonus content on a mix of benefits topics as well as deep dives and analyses on the latest benefit trends and compliance issues. Visit ifebp.org/benefitsmagazine to see the latest Benefits Magazine Extras as well as the bimonthly print […]

Ontario’s New Long-Term Illness Leave Takes Effect Soon: What Employers Need to Know

Amanda Wilke, CEBS
 

On December 19, 2024, Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (Bill 229) received Royal Assent. Amongst the changes in the bill amending the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), was the introduction of unpaid long-term illness leave, effective June 19, 2025. While the law […]

What Benefits Are Working? Attracting and Retaining Employees

Tyler Lloyd
 

In today’s work environment, organizations are looking for ways to improve employee retention and recruitment. Employee benefit offerings are an impactful tool, and organizations need to understand what employees value. Respondents to the International Foundation’s Employee Benefits Survey: 2024 Survey Report were […]

Workplace Accommodations: Compliance Issues and Tips 

Anne Newhouse, CEBS
 

Injuries and sicknesses resulting in disability and, potentially, time away from work happen to employees all the time requiring employers to develop a disability management process. This process is a series of coordinated stages to prevent, manage, and reduce workplace disabilities, alleviate […]