ACEC Says House Passage of AHP Legislation Is Major Step Toward Quality Health Insurance at a Competitive Price.

WASHINGTON -- The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) applauds passage of H.R. 525, the Small Business Health Fairness Act, which was approved by the full House on Tuesday.

The legislation would expand the availability of Association Health Plans (AHPs), allowing small businesses to pool together across state lines through trade associations to purchase health insurance from a provider, or self-insure in the same manner as large employers and labor unions.

ACEC is one of the few associations that currently offers its members the benefits of a nationwide AHP. Conflicting state regulations prevent many ACEC members from accessing the association's low-cost, quality health care program. The Small Business Health Fairness Act would remedy this situation by creating uniform regulations for all states and allowing firms of all sizes to be covered.

"I commend the House for focusing on this critical issue and hope that the momentum of its passage will be reflected in the Senate as well," said ACEC President Dave Raymond. "Passage of the Small Business Health Fairness Act is a major step that will help ensure that we can offer all of our member firms -- particularly our small firms, which are hardest hit by rising insurance costs -- quality health insurance at a competitive price."

ACEC also strongly endorses the Senate version of the bill, S. 406, introduced by Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME). The Bush Administration has also signaled its strong support for this legislation.

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the business association of America's engineering industry, representing approximately 5,500 independent engineering companies throughout the United States engaged in the development of America's transportation, environmental, industrial, and other infrastructure. Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACEC is a national federation of 51 state and regional organizations.