NEW: Sen. Michael Moore Attempts to Reduce Health Care Costs for Small Businesses

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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

GoLocalWorcester News Team

State Senator Michael Moore

State Senator Michael Moore has filed an amendment on a current State Senate bill to provide relief for small businesses that provide health care to employees.

The bill currently being considered is a comprehensive bill aimed at reducing health care costs. Moore filed the amendment to change what he considers an inequitable fine placed on small businesses that already meet minimum health insurance enrollment for their employees.

“While I understand that we must meet our fiscal obligations to ensure health care coverage for all, it must not be on the backs of small businesses that are already compliant with the law,” Senator Moore said. “These businesses are the lifeblood of job growth in the Commonwealth, and we must challenge and modify any misplaced assessment that could hinder further economic development.”

Due to the health care reform law of 2006, employers that do not offer insurance to their employees are required to make a “fair share” contribution toward the cost of caring for the uninsured. This comes through a surcharge on every bill for health care services. What Moore insists he does not want is companies providing insurance and still having to pay a “fair share” contribution.

“I filed this important change on behalf of businesses that are being unfairly fined, even though they are meeting their obligation of health care coverage for their employees,” Senator Moore said. “Despite the fact that their employees are covered, usually through another health plan, these businesses are still being assessed heavy fines.”