The PCORI fee is a fee assessed on health insurance plans to fund the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). PCORI is an independent, nonprofit organization that funds research to improve the quality and value of health care. The fee was created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is currently set at $2.35 per covered life. The fee is expected to generate approximately $3.2 billion in 2025.
The PCORI fee has been controversial since its inception. Critics argue that the fee is a tax on health insurance and that it will lead to higher premiums for consumers. Supporters of the fee argue that it is a necessary investment in research that will improve the quality and value of health care.
