The Chamber

ISSUE:  Ease the ability of small businesses to provide quality health care benefits to their employees.

WHY IMPORTANT: In a 2009 survey of our members, this issue ranked in the top ten – it tied for #3 in priority of importance.  (Will be updated after February 12th)
Millions of Americans are uninsured.  According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce nearly 60% of those are employed by small businesses. As health care costs continue to rise, fewer employers and working families will be able to afford coverage, and the number of uninsured Americans will inevitably rise.

To make health care more affordable and accessible for small businesses, we support passage of legislation that would create federally regulated small business heath plans (SBHPs), also known as association health plans (AHPs).  (We included Association Health Plans in our 2007 and 2008 Issues Books).  Allowing small businesses to arrange their health benefits through associations will make coverage more affordable by spreading risk among a much larger group, strengthening negotiating power with plans and providers, offering insurance across state lines, and reducing administrative costs. To appeal to their broad membership bases, associations will need to offer comprehensive benefit packages that meet a broad array of health needs and preferences.

Small Business Health Plan legislation (previously known as Association Health Plans) - has been introduced again this Congress. The House has once again passed its version of the bill. The focus is now on the Senate.

OUR POSITION: We ask that you SUPPORT small business health plans (SBHPs) making it easier for small businesses to provide quality benefits to employees.