February 21 , 2006
by Dylan Skriloff
The Senate Insurance Committee is making a move on health insurance mandates.
It has passed S.1372 that would require an examination of all existing and prospective health care mandates by a Health Benefit and Cost Commission. The Employer Alliance for Affordable Health Care is among those cheering the action; they have been working on mandate reform since forming in 1997. EAAHC Chair Jeff Leland points out that several of New York’s neighbors including, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Massachusetts have a similar commission.
"Recent surveys sponsored by the Business Council, NFIB and others have concurred that health care costs are the number one concern for small business in New York," Leland said.
S.1372 has been sent to the floor of the Senate where it will await further action. Health insurance mandates cost up to 12.2% of insurance coverage and New York has more in place than any other state, as detailed in October 7 issue of the RBA newsletter.
The Employer Alliance for Affordable Health Care is a grassroots coalition of nearly 2,500 employers and individuals committed to keeping health care in New York affordable. The RBA is a supporting member.
"The RBA wholeheartedly supports the legislation. Excessive mandates have been a burden for employers and employees alike," RBA CEO and President Al Samuels said. |
