national watch
For small employers in particular, it’s important that they will continue to have
this option, and that lawmakers retain alternatives to a state-run exchange.
A July 2011 study by America’s Health Insurance Plans found that Washington
state is the fifth most affordable in the country for small groups (fewer than 50
employees). It’s a remarkable finding, particularly because the majority of small
companies in Washington purchase coverage through associations.
That would seem to contradict a claim that association health plans drive up costs,
and it underscores why it’s important that Washington’s pending health exchange
doesn’t reduce the number of options employers have for buying coverage.
The debate over the president’s health care law may come to a conclusion soon.
The overhaul appears to be headed for a Supreme Court ruling sometime next year,
though it’s far from clear which way the court might rule.
Meanwhile, state officials aren’t waiting to move forward with a health
care exchange. That’s why it’s important for business leaders to get up to speed on
the issue, and do what they can to shape the outcome.
Rago, for one, doesn’t believe it’s too late to craft a health care system that provides
more choice, more competition and better transparency.
“What I would like to see is a reform of the reform,” Rago said. “You can take
this and turn it into something better.”
Joseph Rago’s Pulitzer Prize-winning
Wall Street Journal editorials:
on.wsj.com/r5qhHO
Small Group Health Insurance in 2010:
A Comprehensive Survey of Premiums,
Product Choices, and Benefites
(America’s Health Insurance Plans,
Center for Policy and Research):
bit.ly/nrlFuP
Washington State Health Care Authority:
www.hca.wa.gov
Green Commitment. Sustainable Efforts.
Cintas Wins 2011 Association of Washington Business Environmental
Excellence Award for Resource Conservation & Pollution Prevention
We’re proud to protect the environment and conserve natural resources across North America.
From reclaiming 95% of heat from laundry waste water, to reducing fuel usage by 15% on
delivery routes, Cintas continues to be the leader of conservation in the service industry.
To learn more about Cintas’ efforts to protect the environment, visit www.cintas.com/green
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