SBA would be required to inform small businesses about a lesser-known health benefit option

What does this do?

HR 5498 requires the Small Business Administration to spread awareness about Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements, known as ICHRAs. An ICHRA allows an employer to give employees a set amount of tax-free money each month that workers use to purchase their own individual health insurance plans. The bill does not create a new program or change any existing health insurance rules.

Who does it affect?

Small business owners are the primary audience, as they are often seeking affordable ways to offer health benefits to employees. Workers at small businesses could be indirectly affected if their employer learns about and decides to offer this type of benefit.

Why does it matter?

Many small business owners may currently be unaware that the ICHRA option exists, and the bill aims to close that information gap by directing the SBA to share existing federal guidance through local offices, Small Business Development Centers, its website, social media, and press releases. The bill does not require any business to change its practices.

Where does it stand?