PLANET Urges Action on Association Health Plan Bill

A bill that could make health care plans more affordable for small business owners will soon go before the U.S. Senate, and the Professional Landcare Network is urging lobbyists to help make the plan a reality.

The Senate is expected to vote on the "Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization Affordability Act of 2006" in the first couple of weeks of May. The bill would allow small businesses to join together and purchase health care plans through bona fide trade or professional associations.

PLANET is pushing for the Senate approval to make healthcare plants more accessible to small businesses. “Healthcare has become so expensive that it’s hard to keep it as one of the benefits that they have in the job market for employees,” says Tom Delaney, director of governmental affairs for PLANET. “Many have had to not offer it, cut back in how much they provide or increase how much they pay.”

This creates an uneven playing field because it will be harder for the businesses without health plans to attract quality workers, he says,

Some are skeptical of the proposed bill, saying the associations can “cherry-pick” groups or individuals who are considered low-risk healthcare consumers. But Delaney says the plan would not discriminate. No one can be turned away because they are high risk.

Another concern is that groups would subscribe to a plan and then not be able to pay the claims.

But with the association health plans, rates will be more affordable than they are now, Delany says. 

After pushing for the issue for several years at the green industry’s Legislative Day on the Hill, Delaney is glad to see that it is closer to becoming a reality. But if the Senate approves the measure, it then goes to a conference committee so the House’s and Senate’s different versions can be combined into one bill.

“We don’t like all the provisions in the Senate bill, but it’s the best chance we have to get a vote,” Delaney says.

To find out more or to contact your representative, visit the PLANET Web site.