Legislation that would give small businesses another choice in health benefits has passed the General Assembly and is awaiting action by Gov. Roy Cooper.
Senate Bill 228, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Edwards (Henderson), would reduce health care costs and expand access by allowing small businesses to offer exclusive provider benefit plans.
NFIB State Director Gregg Thompson said, “This is one of the most significant health care bills to come out of the General Assembly in the past 10 years.” He said Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans generally cost 15% to 20% less than traditional PPOs.
“NFIB has worked closely with Senator Edwards from the time he introduced this bill five months ago,” Thompson said. “Additional health plan options and more affordable plans has been a top priority of small businesses and NFIB for years. This puts North Carolina in line with 39 other states who offer the same EPO plans for small businesses.”
