
November 4, 2024
Trump And Johnson Silent On Reforming Employer Healthcare Deductibility Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-LA, are not saying whether they support the House Republican Study Committee’s (RSC) proposals to potentially cap the tax exclusion for employer-sponsored coverage. Employers can deduct premiums from federal and payroll taxes. Workers’ shares of premiums are also exempt from income taxes. These tax breaks cost about $300 billion combined a year today. The RSC is a conservative policy caucus within the House GOP members. Its proposal on employer healthcare tax deductibility is unclear, but its budget document certainly infers the deduction may be limited and it also calls for equalizing individual and employer deductibility. There are a few ways to limit the tax deduction, either capping what an employer can take outright or taxing individuals over certain amounts individually. Opponents argue the unfettered deduction drives up healthcare costs. To some degree this may