U.S. Representative Chris Smith voted in favor of the Small Business Health Fairness Act, H.R. 525, bipartisan legislation that will expand access to health care for millions of uninsured Americans and make quality health care more affordable for small businesses and their employees through the use of Association Health Plans (AHPs). 

    “It is simply unacceptable that in 2005 America, 45 million Americans lack health insurance. Access to affordable, quality health care remains one of the great challenges that small business owners and the employees face today,” said Rep. Smith, who represents New Jersey’s Fourth District. “This bill provides employees of small businesses access to the same quality health care that labor union members and employees of large corporations enjoy.” 

    Excessive costs continue to be the main reason that small employers struggle to provide health benefits to their employees. Approximately 45 million Americans are without health insurance, and studies show that 60 percent of the uninsured either work for a small business or are a dependent of someone that does. 

    The legislation--passed tonight by a bi-partisan vote the House of Representatives--allows small businesses to join together through a trade association to purchase affordable health insurance. This enables workers employed by small businesses (and their families) access to the same opportunities as those employed by large businesses and unions: affordable health care through economies of scale, greater bargaining power, regulatory uniformity and flexibility in health benefit design. By removing barriers to affordable coverage, this legislation will also increase competition in health insurance markets, with substantial benefits to consumers. 

    “AHPs are so important because they expand access to affordable, quality health care for uninsured working families – those who need it most,” said Smith. “House Republicans are committed to ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.” 

    The U.S. Labor Department report on AHPs cites a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis indicating that small businesses can expect to reap savings averaging nine to 25 percent of the cost of their health insurance premiums. A broad and diverse coalition of more than 100 groups have endorsed the AHP bill, including the National Restaurant Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Associated Builders and Contractors, The Latino Coalition, National Black Chamber of Commerce, the and National Association of Women Business Owners.