Legality of IRS Plan to Extend Obamacare Subsidies Questioned

The IRS lacks the legal authority for its proposal that would expand the number of family members eligible for Obamacare subsidies, opponents of the measure told the agency Monday.

But speakers representing health-care advocacy and patient groups said at an agency hearing that the proposed rule could benefit more than 5 million people and that it’s in line with the intent of the Affordable Care Act to provide high-quality, affordable health insurance.

The proposed rule (RIN 1545–BQ16) would allow spouses and dependents to receive Affordable Care Act premium subsidies if they have a family member who is offered affordable employer ...