Upton urges delay for ACA implementation on individuals

House Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) recently said individuals deserve the same one-year reprieve from the Affordable Care Act that businesses are receiving.

“Individuals, like businesses, are subject to reporting requirements, costs and penalties under the Affordable Care Act,” Upton said. “We believe individuals left to suffer the looming rate shock deserve the same treatment that the administration awarded to businesses.”

The House recently voted for a one-year delay for the ACA’s provision that requires individuals to purchase health insurance or pay a fine.

Upton said the vote was the “right thing to do” because the law is still surrounded by uncertainty and the public is still unsure on how much they will have to pay for their insurance next year. He urged the Senate to approve the delay as well.

“As a committee with jurisdiction over this law, and its implementation, we have a duty to hold the administration accountable for its decisions and to make sure they are transparent in the process which has sadly been missing throughout the writing, passage, and implementation of the health care law,” Upton said. “Reports indicate that the exchanges are behind schedule. Deadlines have been delayed and missed entirely.”

The Obama Administration recently said it would veto the bill.