Religious Exemption from Affordable Care Act (H.R. 1814)

What is H.R. 1814?

(Updated January 31, 2017)

This bill amends the IRS code and affords individuals the ability to opt out of the Affordable Health Care Act's minimum coverage laws via any "sincerely held religious belief" that "would cause the individual to object to medical health care that would be covered under such coverage." 

Argument in favor

The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees religious civil rights.

Argument opposed

Defining a "sincerely held religious belief" could be problematic to prove.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would impact insurance companies, the medical field, and, possibly, the courts, were individuals told that their religious beliefs were not sincere and they must enroll in the Affordable Care Act.

Cost of H.R. 1814

A CBO cost estimate is currently unavailable.

Additional Info

Media: 

California Healthline

The Hill

Of Note: 

- This bill passed the House on 3/11/14.