Smith-led Bill to Provide Relief to Employers Passes House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Employer Reporting Improvement Act – bipartisan legislation introduced by Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) – was unanimously passed by the full House of Representatives. The members released the following statements:

“The Employer Reporting Improvement Act will help streamline reporting for employers of all sizes,” said Rep. Smith. “I’m pleased this bill unanimously passed the House, and I encourage the Senate to take action on this commonsense measure soon.”

“Today, the House of Representatives passed my bipartisan bill with Rep. Adrian Smith to streamline reporting requirements, protect privacy, and ensure that employees have access to the health insurance they deserve,” said Rep. Thompson. “I am committed to helping American businesses create jobs and grow our economies.”

The bill would permit employers to electronically file certain documents related to employees’ health coverage if the employee has previously agreed to electronic statements. It would also streamline reporting by allowing employers the option to use covered individuals’ full name and date of birth if the employer is unable to collect the covered individuals’ taxpayer identification number. Finally, it would create a six-year statute of limitations.