Washington, DC – Congressman Bill Shuster voted in support of a significant health care initiative today, which is part of Congress’ legislative week focused on increasing access for all Americans.  The Small Business Health Fairness Act (H.R. 525) would allow small businesses to band together to provide the quality health care plans available to employees of larger companies. 

“Something needs to be done to help Americans receive better medical care,” said Shuster, a member of the Rural Health Care Caucus, which is focused on health care policy in America’s small towns.  “The passage of this plan is progress because it focuses on a problem that Americans are facing - limited access to quality care.” 

There are 45 million Americans lacking health insurance today and 60 percent of them work for small businesses or are dependent on someone who does.  Many small businesses cannot afford to provide health insurance options for their employees.  H.R. 525 includes Association Health Plans (AHP), which would allow small businesses to band together to provide the quality health care available to employees of larger companies.  The bill passed the House 263-165. 

“I owned a small business for years, and I understand that it can be difficult to find competitive prices for health insurance,” said Shuster.  “But providing this is critical because small businesses represent so many of the uninsured in America.  Association Health Plans give employers a new, affordable and realistic option for their workers.”

Another bill, H.R. 5, is a high priority for patients around the country because it limits frivolous lawsuits that have been driving doctors out of business.  This legislation is expected to be brought to the House floor for a vote tomorrow.  In fact, Pennsylvania is one of a few states considered to be in a crisis because doctors are shutting their offices or relocating to neighboring states.  This bill would help keep doctors in Pennsylvania.