In This Issue:

Leading the News; Implementation of the Affordable Care Act; Other HHS and Federal Regulatory Initiatives; Other Congressional and State Initiatives; and Hearings and Mark-Ups Scheduled.

Excerpt from Leading the News -

Employer Mandate Delayed Until 2015:

On July 2nd, the Obama Administration announced that the employer mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will not be implemented until 2015, after the midterm elections. The notice, issued by the Treasury Department, suggests the delay will allow for additional consideration on ways to simplify employer reporting requirements. On July 3rd, Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee sent letters to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sebelius and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew with questions on why the ACA employer mandate now faces a delay. Critics on the Committee suggest a delay contradicts earlier statements made by officials within the Obama Administration that ACA implementation is on track. In addition, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health will hold a hearing to examine the decision to delay the employer mandate and the employer information reporting requirements.