Chao Commends Senate for Introducing Association Health Plan Legislation

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao Commends Senate for Introducing Association Health Plan LegislationFebruary 18, 2005WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao released the following statement upon introduction of Association Health Plan legislation in the United States Senate:

“I want to commend the Senate for acting quickly to re-introduce bipartisan legislation to create Association Health Plans (AHPs) and help make health insurance more affordable for millions of America's workers and their families.“The President and I are committed to increasing access for America's workers and their families to affordable, quality health benefits. Association Health Plans will provide more choices, increase access to quality care and reduce the cost of health coverage.

The legislation also contains strong protections to deter fraud so benefits will be available when workers need them. This legislation is especially necessary for the nation's millions of small businesses, creating a level playing field and giving them the same benefits of administrative savings, negotiating clout, and uniform regulation enjoyed by large businesses and labor unions.

“I applaud the bipartisan leadership of Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Kit Bond (R-MO), Jim Talent (R-MO), Robert Byrd (D-WV), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), John McCain (R-AZ), Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX), John Vitter (R-LA) and Mel Martinez (R-FL) in introducing this much-needed legislation. I urge the Senate to act swiftly to bring up this bill and make health care coverage a reality for millions more American workers and their families.”# # #www.dol.gov