Small Business
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Sen. Baddour Wins Inclusion of Small Business Plan in Senate Health Bill November 9, 2005, Boston, MA – Senator Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen) announced today that his amendment to the Senate’s health care reform legislation, a provision to allow small businesses to band together for the purpose of purchasing health care for their employees, was included in the bill. Thanks to its inclusion, the state will launch a pilot program to examine the impact of allowing small business owners—like doctors, dentists, and restaurateurs—to form groups to negotiate lower health care premiums for their workers. By spreading medical risk among thousands of workers rather than a handful, small business leaders in the Merrimack Valley agree that the days of cookie cutter insurance plans with restricted coverage—all at an exorbitant price—could be over. The amendment also includes a number of safeguards that will protect small business employees, among them a provision clearly stating that membership in an association cannot be denied based on an individual’s medical record, nor can insurance be denied for an existent condition. Additionally, Senator Baddour’s amendment prevents so-called overnight associations from being formed to abuse the system. All eligible associations must have been in existence for five years, formed for reasons other than acquiring insurance, and have a constitution. Doctors’, dentists’, and restaurateurs’ organizations are perfect examples. As a pilot program, the amendment will limit the Commissioner of Insurance to certifying only one association health plan with a four year sunset clause. However, Senator Baddour is confident that the legislation represents a steppingstone to making his plan permanent. “Any change of this magnitude will require some caution,” commented Baddour, “but, I have no doubt that the pilot will prove that creating associations will lower premiums, improve coverage, and make Massachusetts much more inviting for small businesses.” |
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June 2, 2005 Dear Friend, I am writing to update you on an important legislative initiative that will benefit small businesses and, thereby, working families across Massachusetts. This session, I filed Senate Bill 560, “An Act Relative to Small Group Insurance,” to allow small businesses to pool their members for the purpose of acquiring health insurance, which will lower premiums and make care more specific to each family’s needs. With health care reform topping the legislature’s agenda, it is time to finally allow small businesses to band together as a means of offering their employees affordable, comprehensive coverage. Many small businesses — dental and medical offices, auto repair shops, restaurants — have no choice but to acquire cookie-cutter medical insurance plans that provide few options, limited coverage, and expensive premiums. By giving associations the opportunity to pool their members, groups of hundreds or thousands could form, spreading the risk and subsequently lowering the cost of health care. Ultimately, the bill will reduce financial constraints on small businesses and provide a significant boost to our economy. Small business is the backbone of the Massachusetts economy, constituting more than 50% of our workforce and providing two-thirds of the state’s job opportunities. Together, we have made significant progress over the past three years, and there are many additional improvements on the horizon. For your reference, I have copied an Eagle-Tribune editorial about small business insurance onto the back of this letter. As always, if I can be of service, or if you have any ideas you wish to share, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best Regards, Steven A. Baddour |
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Secretary Kimball to Attend Baddour Business Roundtable Boston, MA — On Wednesday, January 19th, Secretary of Economic Development Ranch Kimball will participate in a business roundtable hosted by Senator Steve Baddour (D-Methuen) to discuss local business and economic advancement. In addition to discussing challenges facing the region with business, community, and elected leaders, Secretary Kimball will tour the former Lucent Technologies facility in North Andover to help consider its role in future development. ROUNDTABLE 1600 OSGOOD TOUR |
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October 26, 2004 Dear Friend, I am writing to update you on some important legislative initiatives that will benefit small businesses in Massachusetts, as well as to mention a recent honor I received from your community. Together, we have made significant progress over the past two years, and there are many additional improvements on the horizon with a new session approaching. As a result of my voting record during the 2003-2004 term, the National Federation of Independent Business has honored me as a Guardian of Small Business. The award is given to legislators who supported at least 70% of the key bills that came to a vote last session. While I am extremely honored by this recognition, its true importance is in demonstrating the legislature’s support for small businesses, which in turn creates jobs and will help revitalize Massachusetts’ economy. During the past two years, the Senate passed legislation that reforms and authorizes $100 million in funds for workforce training programs, provides more money for business development grants, and makes permanent tax credits for business investment. All of these items should improve the long-term outlook of your businesses, and I am proud to have supported them. In the coming legislative year, additional reforms to rules governing insurance for small business owners will be a top priority. Allowing small operations to band together in order to negotiate costs is crucial to the financial vitality of the Commonwealth and I look forward to addressing the issue in the near future. Small business is the backbone of the Massachusetts economy—it constitutes more than 50% of our workforce and provides two-thirds of the state’s job opportunities. I am pleased that so many important measures were passed to support small business and look forward to maintaining my record of support next year. If I can be of service, or if you have any ideas you wish to share for the coming session, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best Regards, Steven A. Baddour |
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Senate 2003 Economic Stimulus Bill Summary <<To download the Senate 2003 Economic Stimulus Bill Summary, click here>> |
