Durbin Statement Regarding Association Health Plans Legislation in U. S. House of Representatives

DURBIN STATEMENT REGARDING ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLANS LEGISLATION IN U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement regarding legislation under consideration in the House of Representatives to establish Association Health Plans (AHPs):

"Democrats and Republicans agree that something must be done to help small businesses and their employees deal with rising health care costs, but the AHP proposal being debated in the House is a misguided effort."

"Congress tried the AHP approach in the 1970s. Because of the massive fraud and abuse that resulted from exempting these health plans from state oversight, consumers, physicians and hospitals were left with more than $124 million in unpaid medical bills. Congress was forced to repeal to the exemptions and allow state regulation of these plans."

"In the Senate, I have introduced with Senator Blanche Lincoln the Small Business Employers Health Benefits Program Act. Our bill is a common-sense approach that will help small businesses provide insurance coverage to their employees. The House has an opportunity to pass similar legislation offered by Congressman Kind and Congressman Andrews. I urge Congress to reject the AHP proposal in favor of a bill to protect consumers while creating an affordable health care option for small business owners and their employees."

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=241486&&