The IAFF is throwing its full support behind legislation to repeal the excise tax on high-cost health plans, more commonly referred to as the “Cadillac Tax.”

Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT) has introduced a bill to repeal this provision that was added to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at the last minute, with little debate or careful consideration. The IAFF opposed the tax at the time, and remains opposed.

“The International has opposed this ill-conceived tax from the beginning," said General President Harold Schaitberger at a news conference at the U.S. Capitol along with Courtney and other supporters of the bill. "It was added to the Affordable Care Act at the 11th hour, supposedly as a way to lower health care costs by targeting generous health plans of wealthy Americans. 

“In reality, the vast majority of plans affected will be those that protect working class taxpayers, including fire fighters,” said Schaitberger.

Courtney’s bill, the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act, already has the support of dozens of lawmakers. The bill would eliminate the so-called “Cadillac Tax” that would be imposed on higher-cost health plans beginning in 2018. Without action, a 40 percent tax would be imposed on health insurance benefits above $10,200 for individual coverage and $27,500 for family coverage.

Though the tax is scheduled for 2018, the IAFF has been working and will continue to work to get the tax repealed.