NFIB

Though each small business is distinct and makes its own unique contribution to America's economy, there is one thing all small business owners have in common:  A serious concern about rising healthcare costs.   

The most recent Kaiser Family Foundation's Employer Health Benefits Survey confirmed what small business already knows -- health insurance continues to become less affordable for our nation's small business owners.

Responding to the data, Todd Stottlemyer, president and CEO of NFIB, said, "Every year we see average premium increases outpacing wages and inflation. And every year, we urge Congress to examine ways that we might be able to stop this unsustainable trend. Never has it been clearer that the time to enact comprehensive health-insurance reform is now."

The second session of the 110th Congress is already underway and healthcare remains on the top of its legislative agenda. It's crucial that small business owners take this opportunity to educate themselves on this pertinent issue. NFIB has identified four bills whose timely passage would be significant first steps toward increasing affordability to healthcare to small business owners. 

To help our members gain a greater understanding of this legislation, we have outlined the key provisions of each bill. They provide a quick and easy reference for busy small business owners to learn how upcoming healthcare legislation will affect their business. 

H.R. 1474, "Fair and Speedy Treatment of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2007" 

• Ensures prompt payment for the services community pharmacies provide related to the Medicare Part D prescription drug program within a 30-day billing cycle
• Takes significant steps toward addressing the effect delayed government payment practices have on America's small pharmacies
• Provides the certainty necessary for pharmacists to meet their business obligations

H.R. 380, "Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2007"

• Allows for the safe and legal importation of prescription drugs from other countries, including Canada
• Implements safeguards to ensure that every imported drug meets U.S. safety standards
• Reduces one of the most rapidly health-care costs facing consumers today-prescription drugs

H.R. 1952 "National Health Information Incentive Act of 2007"

• Assists small physician practices with the adoption of health information technology (HIT) such as electronic medical records
• Helps providers transition their practices so that they can integrate HIT in a timely and efficient manner
• Provides small physician practices the opportunity to improve the quality, cost and delivery of healthcare services

H.R. 2639 "Promoting Health for Future Generation Act of 2007"

• Allows individuals with a health savings account to deduct 100 percent of the premiums from this taxes
• Permits individuals over the age of 50 to make contributions of up to $2,000 over the annual contribution limit
• Improves the ability of small businesses to gain access to more affordable options in the health insurance market

Please continue to visit NFIB.com for updates on the status of these bills. Also, be sure to sign up to receive NFIB's legislative e-mail updates to help you stay informed on healthcare and other important small business issues.