Small businesses, health insurers team to make coverage affordable

Last Friday, the health insurance industry and lobbies for small businesses reached an agreement that reportedly will make coverage more affordable. After years of friction, leading health insurance lobbies including America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) and leading small business organizations such as The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) have joined forces on healthcare reforms and pricing.

The groups are working on strategies that would pool small businesses' purchasing power to effectively cut the sorts of insurance deals to cover their employees, allowing them to get a little closer to the bargaining power larger businesses already enjoy. AHIP also has stated that it supports tax breaks for small businesses that offer health insurance.

However, not all employees or business groups are pleased with the newly formed alliances. Campaign for America's Future and other groups oppose the compromise agreements AHIP and NFIB have forged.

To learn more:
- read this Washington Business Journal article

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