Letter to Editor of Businessweek on affordable health insurance for small businesses

Letters Editor
BusinessWeek
1221 Avenue of the Americas
Fl. 43
New York, NY 10020

Dear Editor,

On behalf of the nation's 11.7 million workers employed by the restaurant industry, I strongly agree that access to affordable health insurance is a big problem for small businesses ("Throwing a Line to Uninsured Workers," October 13, 2003). With 43 million uninsured Americans, greater access to healthcare is a top priority for the National Restaurant Association, and it should be for Congress, as well.

Association Health Plan (AHPs) legislation would allow small businesses to band together to acquire affordable health insurance for their employees. The restaurant industry—the nation's largest private-sector employer—is dominated by small businesses, as seven out of 10 restaurants are single-unit operations with fewer than 50 employees. Our ongoing research shows that restaurateurs routinely say that cost is the main obstacle to providing health coverage to employees and their families. By removing barriers to affordable coverage, AHPs will also greatly increase competition in health insurance markets, with substantial benefits to consumers.

Supported by President Bush, Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao and bipartisan members of Congress, AHPs could provide quality health care for up to 8.5 million Americans and save small businesses 15 to 30 percent in health-care costs.


Sincerely,




Steven C. Anderson
President and Chief Executive Officer
National Restaurant Association
Washington, DC