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ACEC Commends Senate Committee Passage of Small Business Health Plan Legislation

Posted on: Wednesday, 15 March 2006, 15:00 CST

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) today applauded passage of the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act of 2006 - commonly referred to as the Small Business Health Plan legislation, by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

Introduced by Senator Michael Enzi (R-WY), the legislation (S. 1955) would allow businesses to pool together across state lines through trade associations to purchase health insurance under more uniform federal regulations. Small businesses would benefit from greater bargaining power, lower administrative costs, increased access to health plans, and greater flexibility to design benefit options that meet the needs of employees.

ACEC is one of the few associations that currently offer its members the benefits of a nationwide association-sponsored health plan. Conflicting state regulations result in higher administrative costs and prevent many members from accessing ACEC's low-cost, quality health care program.

"Rising health care premiums remain a chief concern among small business owners not only in our industry, but throughout the national workplace," said ACEC President Dave Raymond. "The leadership of Senator Enzi to move this long-overdue legislation towards full consideration by the Senate is a major step toward alleviating soaring health care costs for our industry."

The House of Representatives passed their version of the legislation (H.R. 525) last year with strong bipartisan support. The full Senate is expected to consider S. 1955 later this spring. Should it be approved by the Senate, negotiations will begin with the House to address differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill before it can be sent to the President to be signed into law.

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the business association of America's engineering industry, representing approximately 5,500 independent engineering companies throughout the United States engaged in the development of America's transportation, environmental, industrial, and other infrastructure. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACEC is a national federation of 51 state and regional organizations.

Source: Business Wire

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