|
Contact: McCall Avery
(202) 225-4201
|
|
Moving forward for America – Helping the working uninsured
January 2007 Column
Washington,
Jan 12, 2007 -
After 12 years in the minority, the Democrats have just taken control of Congress. As a Republican, I know I will often be at odds with the new ruling party, but I know we’ll find solutions. In my mind, what’s good for America should always come first.
When they’re right, I’ll vote with the Democrats. Yet, I’m still prepared to cast “no” votes. I’ll do my best to shoot down tax increases and granting American citizenship to illegal immigrants. I’ve worked in the Minority before and I’m prepared to do it again.
It is my hope that as 2007 begins, Republicans and Democrats can come together on important priorities for the nation – like increasing the number of Americans with health insurance.
As 2007 begins, many of us may notice an increase in the cost of our health insurance compared with last year. Such an increase in cost is nothing new. To the best of my knowledge, the upward trend is expected to continue.
That is why the first bill that I re-introduced in the 110th Congress would increase the number of Americans who have health insurance with Association Health Plans (AHPs). Under my bill, the Small Business Health Fairness Act, small businesses would be able to band together to buy health insurance “in bulk” through a reputable association. (Some examples include a local Chamber of Commerce or the National Federation of Independent Business.)
My bill is terrific news for small business owners and their families as nearly half of the uninsured are in families with someone who is self-employed or whose company has fewer than 100 employees. In the last Congress, my bill garnered tremendous bipartisan support. In fact in the 109th Congress, 36 Democrats voted for my bill and it passed the House 263 to 165.
Today, small employers pay much more for health insurance in proportion to their size than larger employers pay. With health insurance costs spiking higher year after year, small businesses increasingly get priced out of the health care market. Under my bill, association members would see their health insurance costs drop between 15 percent and 30 percent! In short, AHPs grant small businesses the same “purchasing power” corporate America and the unions already enjoy.
Last, studies show that my bill would help at least 2 million people have access to affordable health insurance through AHPs, at zero cost to the taxpayer.
AHPs are not a cure-all. But they are certainly a step in the right direction.
When it comes to the health insurance debate, we all agree it’s time for a change. I hope that Congress considers my common-sense solution as a positive way to move forward.
|
Print version of this document
|
