Consumer Health Claim Assistance Act
Latest action (16 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9737, the Consumer Health Claim Assistance Act, would amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to create a new Benefits Assistance Program within the Department of Labor by January 1, 2027. The program would help participants in employer-sponsored health plans, and their beneficiaries and providers, respond to denied claims by explaining appeal rights, assisting with filing appeals, referring cases for potential enforcement, and reporting annually to Congress on complaints handled and outcomes.
To help fund this program, the bill would require administrators of single-employer welfare benefit plans to pay a new filing fee (ranging from $250 to $1,000 or more, depending on plan size) when submitting required annual reports, with at least half of the money collected directed to the new assistance program. Plans not required to file a full annual report would instead have to submit a shorter notice with basic information about the plan, its funding, and service providers paid $5,000 or more.
The bill affects employees and beneficiaries covered by employer health plans, plan administrators and employers who file ERISA reports, and Department of Labor staff who would run the new program.
The bill was introduced on July 16, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. No further action has occurred; the committee would need to review and advance it before it could proceed to a full House vote.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 16, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9737 do?
- H.R. 9737, the Consumer Health Claim Assistance Act, would amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to create a new Benefits Assistance Program within the Department of Labor by January 1, 2027. The program would help participants in employer-sponsored health plans, and their beneficiaries and providers, respond to denied claims by explaining appeal rights, assisting with filing appeals, referring cases for potential enforcement, and reporting annually to Congress on complaints handled and outcomes. To help fund this program, the bill would require administrators of single-employer welfare benefit plans to pay a new filing fee (ranging from $250 to $1,000 or more, depending on plan size) when submitting required annual reports, with at least half of the money collected directed to the new assistance program. Plans not required to file a full annual report would instead have to submit a shorter notice with basic information about the plan, its funding, and service providers paid $5,000 or more. The bill affects employees and beneficiaries covered by employer health plans, plan administrators and employers who file ERISA reports, and Department of Labor staff who would run the new program. The bill was introduced on July 16, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. No further action has occurred; the committee would need to review and advance it before it could proceed to a full House vote.
- Has H.R. 9737 become law?
- Not yet. As of 16 Jul 2026, H.R. 9737 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9737?
- H.R. 9737 was sponsored by Rep. Mark DeSaulnier [D-CA10] (Democrat-CA), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9737?
- Introduced (16 Jul 2026).
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