Nearly Half of Employers View Employer Mandate as Top Health Care Concern Going into 2017

New Aon data reveals health care issues that are top of mind for employers in the wake of the election

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Nov 18, 2016, 08:08 ET

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill., Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With the results of the 2016 election now in the record books, Congress and the president are set to engage, for the second time in less than a decade, in a debate over the future of the United States health care system. According to a new pulse survey from Aon, nearly half (48 percent) of employers say the employer mandate is their primary health care concern going into the next administration.

"Not surprisingly, there is heightened interest in the fate of the employer mandate, which currently places significant reporting obligations on employers, including how they report coverage, track service, and determine value and affordability," explained J.D. Piro, national practice leader of Aon's Health and Benefits Legal practice. "But it's important to realize that in the short term, these mandates—and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting obligations and penalties—remain in effect."

According to Aon's pulse survey of more than 800 employers, conducted approximately a week after the election, other top areas of concern for employers include:

Prescription drug costs – 17 percent
Excise Tax – 15 percent
Tax exclusion limitations on employer sponsored health care – 10 percent
Paid leave laws – 8 percent
Employee wellness programs – 2 percent

"While details remain to be seen regarding policy proposals to address prescription drug pricing, this is an area that employers will keep a close eye on as drug costs continue to increase," said Piro. "Employers will also be tracking the future fate of the excise tax to see how the 115th Congress handles this important matter."

About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE:AON) is a leading global provider of risk management, insurance brokerage and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services. Through its more than 72,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to empower results for clients in over 120 countries via innovative risk and people solutions. For further information on our capabilities and to learn how we empower results for clients, please visit: http://aon.mediaroom.com.