The HELP Committee today is expected to mark-up S. 1955, the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act of 2005. This legislation would allow small businesses to create fully insured Small-Business Health Plans (SBHPs) that would lower health-care costs and increase access by providing increased competition and choices for employers looking for affordable health coverage.
"Small businesses, including our nation's 925,000 restaurants, struggle with excessive costs in providing health benefits to their employees," said Steven C. Anderson, NRA president and ceo. "We commend HELP Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) for their continued commitment to this important issue. Their leadership is appreciated and is critical in helping small businesses and their employees gain greater access to more affordable health care through Small-Business Health Plans."
The NRA said 70% of the restaurant industry, considered the largest private sector employer in the country, is comprised of small businesses and recent surveys show that restaurateurs are deeply affected by the rising cost of health insurance.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.