The House today approved the Small Business Health Fairness Act (H.R. 1101), association health plan legislation that would put small businesses on an equal footing with large employers and unions when it comes to negotiating lower insurance costs.
NAHB has been a long-time proponent of association health plans and continues to work with Congress to ensure that this market-based health care option remains a viable alternative for small businesses and their employees.
Of note to the home building community, the bill includes an amendment which clarifies that small businesses that have already established and administer association health plans, including some HBAs, can continue to operate under existing state and federal law.
Prior to the House vote, NAHB sent a letter to lawmakers designating passage of this bill as a “key vote” due to its importance to the housing industry.
The letter stated that association health plans would grant small businesses access to better and more affordable health care plans. By providing the ability to create pooling arrangements across state lines, the bill would ensure a level playing field for smaller firms that want to help their workers and their families with their health care needs.
With passage of the Small Business Health Fairness Act, the House could vote as early as tomorrow on the American Health Care Act, a comprehensive bill that would repeal and replace much of the Affordable Care Act, also commonly referred to as Obamacare.
For more information, contact Alexis Moch at 800-368-5242 x8407.
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