Health Care Reform Puts Big Focus on Small Business

On Tuesday, October 27, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina held a conference call to discuss a new report, More Choices, Better Coverage: Health Insurance Reform and Rural America. The report examines heath care in rural areas and the need for health insurance reform.

In Virginia, small businesses make up 71 percent of Virginia businesses but, only 48 percent of them offered health coverage benefits in 2006. 600,000 Virginia workers were without health insurance in 2008 and the number continues to rise.

One of the key elements of the reform plan is offering a tax credit to the self employed and small businesses with 50 employees or less, so they can afford to provide coverage for employees. Reform will also provide scholarships, grants, and loan repayments to doctors and nurses who practice in under served areas so that all Americans can have access to health care.

“Americans who live in rural communities have a harder time finding the doctor they need and getting the care they deserve and their health suffers” said Sebelius. “…Reform will improve access to high quality care in rural communities and help give all Americans the stable, secure care they need.”

The report notes many of the discrepancies in health insurance in rural areas. Rural Americans pay for nearly half of their health care costs out of their own pocket, and one out of every five farmers is in medical debt.

With the new health insurance exchange proposal, people can easily compare insurance prices and health plans and decide which quality affordable option is right for them and their family. These proposals will help the 1,070,600 residents of Virginia who currently do not have health insurance to obtain needed coverage, and it will also help the 300,000 Virginia residents who currently purchase insurance in the individual insurance market to find affordable prices without sacrificing quality.

Rural Americans simply cannot afford health insurance and deserve better. President Obama is committed to working with Congress to pass health reform this year that will reduce cost, provide choices and insure all Americans quality and affordable health care.