Many More Executive Actions for January 2021

In addition to the 20 or so actions we previously mentioned from the President’s first day in office, Biden has signed many more to bring his January total to 38.  Some of these actions include:

• Executive Order to reopen the federal health insurance Marketplace for 3 months, from Feb 15 through May 15, and to address the following:
  • Policies that undermine protections for people with preexisting conditions, including complications related to COVID-19;
  • Demonstrations and waivers under Medicaid and the ACA that may reduce coverage or undermine the programs, including work requirements;
  • Policies that undermine the health insurance Marketplace or other markets for health insurance;
  • Policies that make it more difficult to enroll in Medicaid and the ACA; and
  • Policies that reduce affordability of coverage or financial assistance, including for dependents.
• Executive memorandum on family planning and reproductive health, asking HHS to consider rescinding domestic rules under its Title X family planning program, which prohibits certain clinics from receiving federal funds for abortion-related services
• Executive order directing all federal agencies to prioritize actions that provide the greatest economic relief to individuals, families, and small businesses; and to State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments
• A renewed commitment to run federal matters by Tribal officials when such matters impact their Nations
• A commitment to “combat racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders“
• A commitment to racial equity in housing opportunities
• Suspension of travel to the US from Ireland, UK, Schengen area, South Africa, and Brazil, except for lawful US citizens and certain noncitizens legally residing here
• Executive Order for the federal government to “buy American“
• Executive Order to “not renew Department of Justice contracts with privately operated criminal detention facilities”
• Executive Order on climate change becoming an utmost priority that will reshape many aspects of our economy, national security, and foreign relations
  • “Recognizing that climate change affects a wide range of subjects, it will be a United States priority to press for enhanced climate ambition and integration of climate considerations across a wide range of international fora, including the Group of Seven (G7), the Group of Twenty (G20), and fora that address clean energy, aviation, shipping, the Arctic, the ocean, sustainable development, migration, and other relevant topics. The Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and others, as appropriate, are encouraged to promote innovative approaches, including international multi-stakeholder initiatives. In addition, my Administration will work in partnership with States, localities, Tribes, territories, and other United States stakeholders to advance United States climate diplomacy.”
  • “The United States will also immediately begin to develop a climate finance plan, making strategic use of multilateral and bilateral channels and institutions, to assist developing countries in implementing ambitious emissions reduction measures, protecting critical ecosystems, building resilience against the impacts of climate change, and promoting the flow of capital toward climate-aligned investments and away from high-carbon investments.”

IMA will continue to monitor regulator guidance and offer meaningful, practical, timely information.

This material should not be considered as a substitute for legal, tax and/or actuarial advice. Contact the appropriate professional counsel for such matters. These materials are not exhaustive and are subject to possible changes in applicable laws, rules, and regulations and their interpretations.