NFIB

Gov. Bill Janklow to Fight for Health-Care Cost Reform
10/07/2002

SOUTH DAKOTA, October 7, 2002 -- The nation's biggest small-business advocacy group, NFIB, today praised Gov. Bill Janklow for taking a stand on reforming the high costs of health-care coverage, including the creation of Association Health Plans (AHPs).

AHPs are the No. 1 health-care priority for NFIB. AHPs would allow small businesses the opportunity to band together across state lines to purchase health care through a trade or professional association. This will give small businesses and their employees the same economies of scale, purchasing clout and administrative cost savings that their big business counterparts currently enjoy.

"As the governor of South Dakota, Janklow understands and knows first hand that the ever-increasing health-care costs can devastate a small business," said Eric Berger, regional political director for NFIB.

"South Dakota faces large increases in coverage every year, sometimes up to 20 percent, and Janklow understands that this has to be resolved so Main Street can remain the economic force of America."

Small-business owners have decreased coverage and changed health plans, while others were forced to drop coverage all together because of skyrocketing costs. Health-care cost remains the No. 1 problem small-business owners face in South Dakota and nationally.

"Janklow understands that a real solution such as AHPs would bring down the cost of health insurance for small-business owners, their families and employees," Berger said. "Business owners are getting priced right out of the market and more are dropping coverage altogether."

CONTACT: Eric Berger 206.794.9022
or Tanya Neuman 202.554.9000