FixHealthCarePolicy

Industry Groups Oppose House Health Reform Plan

More than 30 business trade groups, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to the American Farm Bureau Federation, yesterday voiced their opposition to the House’s latest health reform bill, saying in a letter to representatives that the legislation “would not improve the [health care] system, but in fact would jeopardize the parts of the system that currently work.”

Among the more contentious provisions the coalition opposed:

– The creation of a government-run health insurance plan.

– Mandates on employers to provide health coverage for workers or pay an 8 percent payroll tax (”pay or play”).

– A new Health Benefits Advisory Council that would determine health benefit requirements in coverage plans.

“We call on Congress to enact reforms that lower cost, improve quality and provide greater access to affordable coverage for all without jeopardizing those who currently have coverage,” the group said.

Tags: chamber, farm bureau, House of Representatives, public plan