WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business held a hearing Feb. 4 on “Health Care Reform in a Struggling Economy: What’s on the Horizon for Small Business?”
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Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-N.Y., chairwoman, said: “In today’s hearing, we will discuss the rising cost of small business health care, and the barriers it creates for financial recovery. We will also explore ways to break down those barriers, and to bring the economy back on track.”
Witnesses stated that small businesses are struggling to sustain health coverage for their employees; further, that the cost of health care programs is putting a strain on the possibility of new jobs.
Alissa Fox, senior vice president for Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBSA) testified before the committee. Fox proposed several recommendations for reducing costs and improving the quality of health care. BCBSA recommends that states establish State Insurance Marts (SIMs), where individuals and small businesses could easily compare coverage options. SIMs would offer: Comparison of all insurance options; real-time price quotes from multiple insurers; calculation of any tax benefits and subsidies; and simplified enrollment in the plan of choice.
Velazquez also announced the CHOICE Act, a bipartisan bill that would allow businesses to obtain coverage at negotiated bulk rates through purchasing pools. To view other testimony from the hearing, visit the Automotive Service Association’s Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.
