CHEYENNE — Representatives of several Indian tribes say they support legislation introduced this week in Congress that would exempt tribes nationwide from being classified as a large employers under the federal Affordable Care Act.
Members of Montana’s congressional delegation and others introduced legislation this week that would exempt tribal governments from the large employer mandate.
Tribal spokesmen say requiring tribes to provide insurance for tribal employees is more expensive than allowing employees to register for individual insurance coverage. People who register as individuals may qualify for tax credits that offset the cost of coverage.
Some tribes also say they can’t afford possible federal penalties for failing to provide the group coverage.
A federal judge in Wyoming this month rejected a challenge from the Northern Arapaho Tribe to the large employer insurance requirement.