U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Applauds House Passage of Bush Administration's Plan To Reduce Number of Uninsured Americans

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao made the following statement following the passage of H.R. 525, the Small Business Health Fairness Act, by the U.S. House of Representatives:

"President Bush and I applaud the House of Representatives for passing legislation today to improve access to quality health benefits for millions of American workers and their families. Making health care more affordable for workers has been a key goal of President Bush's health care agenda. The House-passed bill would give workers more health coverage choices through Association Health Plans (AHPs).

"By allowing small businesses to join together to purchase health benefits through trade and professional organizations, AHPs will help small businesses pool together to gain the negotiating leverage currently enjoyed by big businesses and labor unions. AHPs level the playing field for small business workers and their families, who comprise the majority of the uninsured.

"The House-passed legislation provides for strong oversight of AHPs to prevent fraud and abuse. The Department of Labor already oversees the health benefits of 135 million Americans, including 78 million Americans in plans solely regulated by the department. We will ensure that workers in AHPs have secure health benefits. I urge the Senate to rapidly consider AHP legislation and pass this much needed reform into law."

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.