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OPA News Release: [07/26/2005]
Contact Name: David
James or Gloria Della
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or (202)
693-8664
Release Number: 05-1440-NAT
U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Applauds House
Passage of
Bush Administration's Plan To Reduce
Number of Uninsured
Americans
WASHINGTON — U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao made the
following statement following the passage of H.R. 525, the Small Business
Health Fairness Act, by the U.S. House of Representatives:
"President Bush and I applaud the House of Representatives for passing
legislation today to improve access to quality health benefits for millions of
American workers and their families. Making health care more affordable for
workers has been a key goal of President Bush's health care agenda. The
House-passed bill would give workers more health coverage choices through
Association Health Plans (AHPs).
"By allowing small businesses to join together to purchase health
benefits through trade and professional organizations, AHPs will help small
businesses pool together to gain the negotiating leverage currently enjoyed by
big businesses and labor unions. AHPs level the playing field for small
business workers and their families, who comprise the majority of the
uninsured.
"The House-passed legislation provides for strong oversight of AHPs to
prevent fraud and abuse. The Department of Labor already oversees the health
benefits of 135 million Americans, including 78 million Americans in plans
solely regulated by the department. We will ensure that workers in AHPs have
secure health benefits. I urge the Senate to rapidly consider AHP legislation
and pass this much needed reform into law."
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