Breaking: Cadillac Tax Delayed
Obamacare tax delayed

The Cadillac Tax has been delayed for two years from 2018 to 2020 by President Obama. With this delay, a repeal could be in reach for congressional leaders and business groups who oppose the Cadillac tax. The legislation also suspends the medical device tax until December 31, 2017 and delays the health insurance tax one year.

Whats a Cadillac Tax?

The 40% excise tax applies to the cost of employer health plan coverage exceeding certain threshold amounts, which were originally set for 2018 at $10,200 for individuals or $27,500 for families.  These thresholds are indexed and will be higher on the delayed effective date in 2020.  The Omnibus also calls for a study on how to determine adjustments to these thresholds to reflect age and gender differences between businesses.   While the tax was originally non-tax deductible, the Omnibus changes that treatment and makes the tax deductible.  Originally, the Cadillac Tax was pushed back by  the behest of Unions to 2018 from the  original proposed 2014 date. Most Unions with generous health care packages would not be complaint within that time frame.

Bipartisanship

 The bipartisan vote on the Consolidated Appropriations Act was 316 to 113 in the House, and 65 – 33 in the Senate. Many employers, unions, insurers and industry groups have opposed the tax based on concerns around administrative and financial burdens for employers and adverse outcomes for employees.

Medical Device Tax

The tax bill will place a two-year moratorium on the ACA’s 2.3% tax on the sale of medical devices.  The tax imposed under this provision will not apply to sales during the period beginning on January 1, 2016, and ending on December 31, 2017.  This applies to sales after December 31, 2015.

Health Insurance Industry Tax

The tax bill places a one-year moratorium on the so-called HIT tax (Health Insurance Industry Tax).  If passed, the industry tax will not apply for calendar year 2017, which should result in less of an increase to group health insurance premiums for 2017.

So who said Washington bipartisanship  was over?  There is hope going into the New Years.

Happy 2016!

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