[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 9 (Wednesday, February 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2005

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
``Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005.''
  Our Nation's small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and 
unfortunately, the cost of health care is placing an unbearable burden 
on many of them.
  Sixty percent--over 24 million--of uninsured Americans work in small 
businesses. Some of these people are offered insurance and turn it down 
because they can't pick up their part of the tab.
  This bill allows small businesses to band together to form 
Association Health Plans, AHPs. These AHPs will lower the cost of 
health care for small businesses and thereby significantly expand 
access to health coverage for uninsured Americans by, among other 
things: (1) Increasing small businesses' bargaining power with health 
care providers, and (2) giving employers freedom from costly state-
mandated benefit packages.
  Basically, the legislation puts small businesses on equal footing 
with large employers and unions when it comes to buying health care. 
That's why AHPs will increase the number of insured Americans by up to 
8 million people.
  The cost-saving benefits of AHPs would help the small employers of 
Main Street access coverage at a more affordable price.
  AHPs aren't the only solution to the number of uninsured in America, 
but they certainly take a large step in the right direction.
  It is the least Congress can do to ensure that the American people 
will receive better health care at a more reasonable price.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this important legislation.

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