In an action that will hopefully start the ball rolling to successful passage of the Small Business Health Fairness Act (H.R. 525), the House Education and Workforce Committee recently approved the bill on a party-line vote of 25-22. The next step will be considerationofH.R. 525 on the House floor, which will likely take place sometimethis spring, according to The Association Health Coalition. TAHC is urging its members, including WANADA, to stand ready to contact their representatives to help push the long-awaited bill over the top.
The action was applauded by Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao who urged swift passage of the bill, which would effectively offer small businesses and their employees access to more affordable health insurance by creating Association Health Plans (AHPs)
This is a big win for small business workers who comprise more than 60% of the uninsured. It will create a level playing field and give small businesses the same benefits of administrative savings, negotiating clout, and uniform regulation enjoyed by large businesses and labor unions, Secretary Chao said.
AHP plans will provide more choices, increase access to quality care and reduce the cost of health coverage. The legislation also contains strong protections to deter fraud so benefits will be available when workers need them, said Chao.
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