What This Bill Does
H.J. Res. 197 is a congressional disapproval resolution that would block a specific Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule on the Affordable Care Act’s 2027 benefit and payment parameters and the Basic Health Program. If adopted, the rule would have “no force or effect” under chapter 8 of title 5, meaning the federal standards in that rule would not take effect. The bill directly affects ACA marketplace enrollees, insurers, state exchanges, and states that operate a Basic Health Program.
- Would disapprove the CMS rule published at 91 Fed. Reg. 29526 on May 20, 2026.
- Targets the 2027 ACA “Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters” rule.
- Also applies to the Basic Health Program.
- States that the rule would have “no force or effect” if Congress adopts the resolution.
Who This Bill Affects
If enacted, this resolution would block the CMS rule governing ACA marketplace benefit and payment parameters for 2027 and the Basic Health Program. For people who buy coverage on the ACA exchanges, use state-run marketplaces, or live in a state with a Basic Health Program, that could change how their coverage is administered, how insurers comply, and possibly how much they pay or what plan rules apply. Because the bill removes a finalized federal rule rather than creating a replacement, the effect would be a shift back to whatever rules remain in force without that 2027 regulation.
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- ACA marketplace consumers worried about higher costs They may support blocking a rule they believe could raise premiums, alter plan options, or add administrative burdens. A disapproval resolution is a direct way to prevent new federal requirements from taking effect in the 2027 enrollment cycle.
- Insurers and brokers seeking regulatory stability Some market participants may prefer retaining existing rules rather than adopting a new CMS framework on a compressed timeline. If the rule is seen as disruptive, they may argue that disapproval avoids confusion for insurers, exchanges, and enrollment operations.
- State officials in states skeptical of federal rule changes States may favor stopping a federal rule they view as intrusive or poorly matched to local market conditions. Disapproval can preserve more flexibility if they believe the new parameters would complicate state administration.
- ACA enrollees and consumer advocates They may oppose the resolution because the CMS rule likely contains protections or administrative standards that help people maintain and use coverage. Canceling the rule could create uncertainty or remove changes meant to improve the marketplace experience.
- States operating the Basic Health Program These states may resist losing a finalized federal framework for 2027 planning. A last-minute disapproval can complicate budgeting, program design, and coordination with insurers and exchange systems.
- Healthcare providers and enrollment assisters They may argue that blocking the rule can make the marketplace harder to navigate for patients and consumers. When federal payment and benefit rules are unsettled, providers and assisters often face more questions and administrative churn.
Key Implications
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““Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services””
This is a classic congressional override of an agency rule. If enacted, Congress would be using its power to stop a finalized federal regulation rather than amend it.
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““Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027””
This shows the resolution is aimed at the annual rule that helps set marketplace operating standards for the 2027 coverage year. Those rules can affect how plans are offered and how consumers experience enrollment and coverage.
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““and Basic Health Program””
The measure is not limited to ACA exchange rules; it also reaches the Basic Health Program. That matters for the states that use that program to cover eligible residents below certain income thresholds.
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““such rule shall have no force or effect””
If Congress approves the resolution, the targeted CMS rule would be void. In practice, insurers, states, and consumers would not have to follow the new 2027 parameters in that rule.
Latest Status
June 18, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
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Ask AI about this billData sourced from api.congress.gov.