11/02/2007
CONTACT: Derrick Sontag, 785-213-9769
TOPEKA, Kan. -- All or part of the following may be attributed to Derrick Sontag, state director of National Federation of Independent Business/Kansas, regarding the Kansas Health Policy Authority's Recommendations.
"The rising cost of health care is the most critical issue facing small-business owners today. NFIB/Kansas is pleased to learn that addressing this issue appears to be a top priority for the Kansas Legislature during the upcoming legislative session."
"NFIB/Kansas has long argued that the issue in our state is not access to coverage; it is the rising costs of that coverage and its effect on the individuals who own and operate a small business in Kansas.
"In fact, when it comes to the health-insurance coverage rate, Kansas is in an enviable position. Kansas' uninsured rate of 10 percent places us in the top five of all 50 states. Therefore, NFIB/Kansas supports seeking solutions that will keep costs under control, making it more affordable for small-business owners to offer health-insurance benefits to their employees.
"Yesterday's recommendations presented by the Kansas Health Policy Authority (KHPA) to the Kansas Legislature include multiple elements specific to small business. We welcome the task of working with legislators and other organizations in seeking initiatives that will result in significant relief for the more than 300,000 small businesses in Kansas.
"In the coming weeks, NFIB will closely analyze the recommendations put forth by the KHPA. In the meantime, NFIB will continue emphasizing with legislators the importance of exploring solutions that are market-driven and incentive-based.
"Small-business owners are of the belief that mandates and government-run health-care systems are not the answer to addressing this critical subject. Instead, they have asked us to do our part in establishing a marketplace that consists of various competitors offering affordable options for health-care coverage."
