[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 93 (Monday, June 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2003

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 660, 
the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003.
  This legislation aims to make health insurance more affordable for 
small businesses by allowing them to band together to increase their 
purchasing power and negotiate lower rates for health insurance.
  I know that our small businesses are struggling with their health 
insurance costs. With double-digit increases in premiums, Madam 
Speaker, many small businesses simply cannot afford to continue to 
provide coverage for their employees. And while I support measures to 
make health insurance more affordable, I have concerns that this 
legislation would not achieve that end. In fact, studies by both the 
Congressional Budget Office and RAND have indicated that existing AHPs 
have not reduced insurance costs for participants.
  I also have concerns about this legislation because it would exempt 
AHPs from state insurance regulations that protect patients and 
families.
  In Texas, health plans are required to cover maternity care, 
immunizations for children, mammography breast cancer screening, 
diabetes treatments and supplies, and certain mental health services. 
H.R. 660 would exempt AHPs from covering these vital services.
  I don't think that small businesses and trade associations should 
have to sacrifice quality in order to afford their health insurance. By 
taking away these vital patient protections, the policies purchased 
under AHPs would be worth little more than the paper they are printed 
on.
  The Kind/Andrews amendment, however, corrects many of these concerns 
by allowing small businesses to purchase insurance through a Small 
Employees Health Benefit Plan, similar to the FEHBP. This system would 
ensure that quality of health plans are protected, that low income 
employees have assistance to purchase policies, and that the smallest 
of small businesses get the additional assistance they need.
  I urge my colleagues to support the Kind/Andrews alternative, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.

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