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EBSA News Release: [03/16/2005]
Contact Name: Eryn
Witcher or Gloria Della
Phone Number: 202-693-4676
Release Number:
05-0460-NAT
Statement of U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao On
Passage of Association Health Plan Legislation in House of Representatives
WASHINGTON- Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today released the
following statement upon passage of Association Health Plan legislation in the
House of Representatives:
"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.
"I want to commend the House Education and the Workforce Committee on
passage of the Small Business Health Fairness Act (H.R. 525) to create
Association Health Plans and help make health insurance more affordable for
millions of America's workers and their families.
"The President and I are committed to increasing access to affordable,
quality health benefits. Association Health 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.
"I applaud the bipartisan leadership of Congressman John Boehner
(R-OH), Congressman Sam Johnson (R-TX), Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY)
and Congressman Albert Wynn (D-MD) for assuring expedited consideration of this
much-needed legislation. I urge the full House to act swiftly in passing the
bill in order to make health care coverage a reality for millions more American
workers and their families."
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