Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Supreme Court Affordable Care Act Ruling Could Upend Employer Mandate

Author: Dan Brecher

Date: June 25, 2015

Key Contacts

Back

By the end of the month, the U.S. Supreme Court will announce its third Affordable Care Act ruling on the legality of the association.

The Affordable Care Act ruling, which involves subsidies provided to individuals who purchase insurance via Healthcare.gov, has the potential to dramatically shake up the healthcare industry.

The lawsuit, King v. Burwell, specifically addresses whether the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may permissibly promulgate regulations to extend tax credit subsidies to coverage purchased through exchanges established by the federal government under Section 1321 of the ACA. Under the statute, tax credits are available for health insurance that is purchased through an exchange “established by the State.” However, after most states failed to create their own marketplaces, the IRS extended the subsidies to insurance purchased through the federal government’s exchange, which is operated via Healthcare.gov. More than six million people have purchased insurance through the federal exchange – the majority of whom received the tax subsidy.

The federal courts that have addressed whether the subsidies are limited to state exchanges have reached differing conclusions. Rather then wait to let a circuit split emerge, the U.S. Supreme Court elected to intervene in the fate of the ACA. If the Court adopts a narrow interpretation of the statute, the whole healthcare scheme could be thrown into a tailspin. Citizens of states that failed to set up their own insurance marketplaces would not receive a tax subsidy and would also not be penalized for failing to obtain health insurance. Experts predict that if a significant number of Americans left the program, the cost of insurance would skyrocket and put it out of reach for many.

For businesses, the Supreme Court’s decision could also eviscerate the employer mandate. Under the ACA, businesses with 50 or more employees will be required to offer health insurance to full-time employees, or pay a penalty. If the Court strikes down the subsidies for the federal exchange, the penalty for failing to comply would not be triggered since it only applies when workers receive tax credits for health insurance purchased via one of the exchanges.

Scarinci Hollenbeck’s legal team will have coverage of the Court’s decision in King v. Burwell on this blog as well as the Constitutional Law Reporter. So please stay tuned.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Why Secured Transactions Are Important post image

Why Secured Transactions Are Important

Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Why Secured Transactions Are Important"
Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications post image

Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications

Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications"
Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors post image

Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors"
Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers post image

Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers

Corporate consolidation involves two or more businesses merging to become a single larger entity. The result is often a stronger and more competitive company that can better navigate today’s competitive marketplace. What Is Corporate Consolidation? Corporate consolidation closely resembles a basic merger transaction. The primary difference is that a consolidation creates an entirely new business […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers"
What is Business Law and Why Is it Important? post image

What is Business Law and Why Is it Important?

Business law plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of running a successful enterprise, from negotiating a commercial lease to drafting employee policies to fulfilling corporate disclosure obligations. Understanding what is business law and your legal obligations can help your business run smoothly and build productive relationships with clients, business partners, regulators, and others. […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "What is Business Law and Why Is it Important?"
Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals post image

Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals

Corporate transactions can have significant implications for a corporation and its stakeholders. For deals to be successful, companies must act strategically to maximize value and minimize risk. It is also important to fully understand the legal and financial ramifications of corporate transactions, both in the near and long term. Understanding Corporate Transactions The term “corporate […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!