CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/David Felipe
(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS

 

Thursday, June 19, 2003

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Chamber of Commerce today applauded House lawmakers for passing the "Small Business Health Fairness Act" (H.R. 660), giving small business owners better access to quality, affordable health care for their employees through federally regulated association health plans.

 

"Small business owners should be able to offer health benefits to their workers on the same basis that larger companies do," said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. "This vote brings us one step closer to creating more options in the health insurance market for small businesses."

 

The need for association health plans is more critical than ever, according to the Chamber. Approximately 60 percent of uninsured people in the country work for, or are a dependent of, someone employed by a small business. These employers typically face premiums that are 20 to 30 percent higher than those of large self-insured companies. As health care costs continue to skyrocket, fewer small businesses are able to continue their health plans and more Americans join the ranks of the uninsured.

 

H.R. 660 will expand the availability of health coverage by allowing small businesses to enroll in health plans sponsored by bona-fide associations. Association health plans offer employers the same advantages that bigger firms and unions currently enjoy without the restrictions normally imposed by state bureaucracies. In addition, these plans are fully subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act that prohibits discrimination based on health status.

 

"This legislation is a critical component of solving the health care crisis in this country," continued Donohue. "Now members of the Senate must follow the lead of their House colleagues in quickly moving this legislation into law so America’s small business owners can purchase affordable, quality health care and stay competitive."

 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses of every size, sector and region.

 

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