Senate Health Reform Bill Excludes Repeal of McCarran-Ferguson Act

Strategic Insights -

The Senate's version of the health reform bill excludes the amendment proposed by Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., which would have repealed the McCarran-Ferguson Act for health insurers. The House bill, however, includes similar language, and the Automotive Service Association (ASA) supports the repeal of the act for all insurers.

The amendment, known as the "Health Insurance Industry Antitrust Enforcement Act," was co-sponsored by 18 senators and supported by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Senator Leahy expressed disappointment over the exclusion of the amendment from the Senate's debate on health reform legislation. Despite this setback, support for the repeal continues to grow, and the House has already included a similar measure in their health reform bill.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base and advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation, and member services.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Senate's version of the health reform bill excludes the amendment proposed by Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., which would have repealed the McCarran-Ferguson Act for health insurers.
  • The House bill, H.R. 3962, includes language similar to Leahy's amendment, which would repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act for all insurers.
  • The amendment, known as the "Health Insurance Industry Antitrust Enforcement Act," was co-sponsored by 18 senators, including Senator Leahy, and Senator Harry Reid, D-Nev.
  • Senator Leahy expressed disappointment over the exclusion of the amendment from the Senate's debate on health reform legislation.
  • The Automotive Service Association (ASA) supports the repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act for all insurers.
  • Senator Leahy looks forward to working to include a repeal of the industry's antitrust exemption when the Senate and House conference to reconcile the health care legislation.

Statistics:

  • The vote on the House bill, H.R. 3962, passed 220-215 in November.
  • 18 senators co-sponsored the amendment, including Senator Leahy and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
  • The House bill includes language similar to the amendment, which would repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act for all insurers.
  • The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has an international membership base serving the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry.

Sources:

  • U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Chairman Patrick Leahy's, D-Vt.
  • U.S. House of Representatives, H.R. 3962, the "Affordable Health Care for America Act"
  • Automotive Service Association (ASA)
  • www.ASAshop.org
  • www.TakingTheHill.com