Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner with us
MCAA Logo
Log in Sign up Join Hi, there Account
2026 Midyear Registration is OPEN
Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner
Log in Sign up Join Account

Association Health Plan Legislation Update

Words: Dan KesterWhile the Senate has not acted on the Association Health Plan legislation (Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003, S. 545) this fall, significant discussions regarding the bill have been occurring in recent weeks. The Senate Republican Uninsured Task Force, which consists of 10 Republican Senators, held several meetings in November to begin the process of developing "innovative and workable policy options to reduce the number of uninsured and provide more affordable health care coverage options." One of these meetings focused exclusively on the merits of the AHP legislation. Joe Rossmann of the Associated Builders and Contractors provided a detailed briefing to the Task Force on why the AHP legislation is desperately needed to expand affordable health benefits for workers employed in small businesses. Also participating in the meeting was Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor Paul Zurawski, who briefed the Senators on President Bush's strong support for the AHP legislation. The Task Force also received presentations from opponents of the AHP legislation - Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

The deliberations of the Senate Republican Uninsured Task Force, which are expected to continue in December and January, will greatly impact the outlook for the AHP legislation in the Senate in 2004. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) has indicated that the Senate will make an effort to pass legislation aimed at addressing the uninsured problem some time next year. This will provide an opportunity to gain consideration of the AHP legislation in another forum if the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee fail to take up the bill as a stand-alone measure.

About: Legislative
 0
Bonding with Masonry 2026: Q2
June 2026

This issue’s questions come from a Mason Contractor and an Engineer. What questions do you have? Send them to info@masonrymagazine.com, attention Technical Talk.

David Biggs
Bonding with Masonry
Read More
The Thirty-Year Mason: Ergonomics as a Retention Strategy
June 2026

In most industry circles, the conversation around the labor shortage follows a predictable script: How do we find the next generation of masons? While recruitment is vital, we often overlook the most valuable asset already on the job site: the experienced

Shayne Sanders
MAP Partner
Read More
Acme Brick Company Releases 2026 Pocket Guide to Brick Construction
June 2026

For more than four decades, all the basics of building with brick have come in a guide small enough to fit into a pocket. Acme Brick has just released a 2026 version of its Pocket Guide to Brick Construction. And yes, it’s still printed on paper just like

MAP Partner
Read More
Masonry in the Media: Casa Azul, Chapultepec Castle, & More
June 2026

A film’s settings can take viewers to new locations, all from the comfort of their own home. It immerses them in the scenes, whether they take place in an opera house in Brazil or a grand mansion in Mexico City. Explore how these Latin American masonry ma

Lily Burger
Masonry in the Media
Read More