ARLINGTON, VA — The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) called on Congress to approve new legislation that would expand access to affordable health insurance for small businesses and their employees. The Patients’ Bill of Rights Act of 2001 was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Ernie Fletcher (R-KY), Nancy Johnson (R-CT), and Colin Peterson (D-MN).

The legislation would expand access to health care for the uninsured by broadening access to medical savings accounts (MSAs) and creating federally sanctioned Association Health Plans (AHPs), which would allow small employers to pool their coverage in the same fashion as do large and medium-sized companies.

According to Larry Taylor, president of ACCA and Air Rite Air Conditioning in Fort Worth, TX, the legislation “would go a long way in providing critical assistance to millions of uninsured Americans.” Taylor explained that “by enabling small business to band together across state lines through trade associations, they will be able to purchase health insurance just as do large corporations and labor unions.”

According to ACCA, AHPs are viewed by small businesses as the most sensible option because they promise premium savings of up to 30%. Equally important to ACCA is the expansion of MSAs. The association views the accounts as one of the most important tools available to expand access while controlling the rise in health care.

Publication date: 06/25/2001