Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R- The Woodlands) today hailed the passage of H.R. 660, the Small Business Health Fairness Act.  As a Chamber of Commerce executive for 15 years prior to his election to Congress, Congressman Brady understands first hand the challenges small businesses face to provide competitive healthcare benefits to their employees.

 

"Small businesses are a driving force in our economy.   Entrepreneurs and small businesses are employing more Americans and creating more wealth than ever before.  Small business owners know their employees need health insurance and  want to offer quality health care benefits.  This bill will help make that a reality", said Brady.

 

Nearly 41 million Americans are currently without health insurance – a majority of those (60%) are employed by small businesses.   More than one-tenth of the nation's uninsured lives in Texas.  This makes Texas one of the highest uninsured rates in the country.  Brady believes these hardworking Americans and their families deserve access to healthcare and with this legislation, its possible.

 

The Small Business Health Fairness Act allows small business across the country to join together through bonafide trade associations to purchase health insurance for their workers at a lower cost.  The measure increases small business' bargaining power with health care providers, giving them freedom from costly state-mandated benefit packages, and lower their overhead costs by as much as 30%.

 

Small businesses that obtain insurance through associated health plans (AHP) save an average of 13%, making health benefits more affordable for small business owners.  Analysts estimate that nearly 8.5 million uninsured workers and dependents could gain coverage from AHP legislation.