A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program".
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 197
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-09-29: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 48 - 51. Record Vote Number: 251. (consideration: CR S5139-5140)
- Last Updated
- 2026-10-02T10:56:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This joint resolution disapproves a specific rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It uses the Congressional Review Act process to prevent the rule from taking effect.
Key Provisions
- Congress formally disapproves the rule titled “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program” (91 Fed. Reg. 29526, May 20, 2026).
- The rule is declared to have no force or effect.
- The resolution follows procedures under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, after committee discharge by petition.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The resolution does not amend statutes but blocks implementation of the 2027 benefit and payment parameters and related Basic Health Program updates. This maintains prior regulatory standards for those programs rather than allowing the new parameters to replace them.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: CMS and HHS would be prevented from enforcing the disapproved rule, requiring continued use of existing 2026 parameters or further rulemaking.
- Citizens: Individuals purchasing coverage through Affordable Care Act marketplaces or participating in state Basic Health Programs could see unchanged premium structures, benefit designs, or payment rules for plan year 2027.
- States: States operating Basic Health Programs would not implement the new federal parameters.
- No direct effects on international relations are indicated.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- CMS and HHS as the issuing agency.
- Health insurance issuers participating in ACA marketplaces.
- Consumers enrolled in ACA plans or state Basic Health Programs.
- State governments administering Basic Health Programs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure exercises Congress’s authority under the Congressional Review Act to nullify an agency rule through a joint resolution. Passage would require approval by both chambers and the President. It represents a direct check on executive branch rulemaking in the health care sector.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (15)
Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
Recent Actions
- 2026-09-29: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 48 - 51. Record Vote Number: 251. (consideration: CR S5139-5140) (Roll call 251)
- 2026-07-14: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 456.
- 2026-07-14: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2026-07-14: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2026-06-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2026-06-17: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program". — issued 2026-06-17 — PDF (2 pages)
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program". — issued 2026-07-14 — PDF (4 pages)