Statement of Labor Secretary Chao: 'Association Health Plans Needed to Ensure More Americans Have Access to Affordable Health Insurance'

Release Date: 8/26/2004

To: National Desk

Contact: Ed Frank of the U.S. Department of Labor, 202-693-4676

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 /U.S. Newswire/ -- U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today released the following statement regarding today's Census Bureau report about the number of Americans with health insurance:

"Today's report shows once again why it's so important for Congress to quickly pass legislation giving small business workers better access to quality, affordable health insurance through Association Health Plans (AHPs).

"AHPs would allow small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance at lower rates and gain the same access to affordable, secure coverage that union members and workers at larger businesses enjoy.

"I hope the Congress acts on this common-sense legislation as soon as they reconvene in September."