January Newsletter
January 17, 2017
No Repeal without immediate Replace!
Every American should have some form of quality health insurance.
- Small businesses benefit by having healthier, more productive employees.
- Small businesses benefit by reducing the hidden fee within every health insurance premium that goes toward paying for the uncompensated healthcare received by the uninsured.
It really is that simple.
That’s why the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce has supported healthcare reform since 2001.
In 2009/10 we supported the effort in Congress to address the need for affordable health insurance. We ended up with the Affordable Care Act.
The ACA wasn’t perfect but it promised to dramatically reduce the number of uninsureds while not requiring 93% of small businesses to offer health insurance plus it gave tax credits to qualifying small businesses that did offer the employee benefit.
To say that the ACA has been successful is an understatement. The ACA made quality health insurance more affordable with the result being the national uninsurance rate today being nearly cut in half (16% to 8.6%) from 2010 rates, an historic low level.
That’s over 23 million people now with health insurance because of the ACA. And most of these 23 million are working, probably in small businesses, and being more productive employees.
That’s 23 million people not receiving free healthcare from hospital emergency rooms with the costs being transferred to those of us with insurance. (No, the ACA is not responsible for increases in health insurance premiums as opponents claim. For that reason look instead to the escalation of drug and provider costs and, of course, insurance companies growing profits.)
So what are the opponents of the ACA offering as a healthcare reform replacement that will provide better benefits to our small businesses?
The truth is that there is no alternative plan, at least not now.
That’s why you need to call South Carolina Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott and give them this message:
No Repeal without immediate Replace!
Here are the telephone numbers.
Senator Lindsey Graham (202) 224-5972
Senator Tim Scott (202) 224-6121
Call them!
No Repeal without immediate Replace!
2017 State Legislative Agenda
(as of 1/17/17)
After reviewing all bills introduced so far in this legislative session, the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has selected the below efforts to support. The Small Business Chamber is uniquely qualified to provide the essential business leadership needed for moving these issues forward in the Legislature. The passage of the bills related to these issues would have a positive impact on small businesses across the state. Please read more about these issues and why they are important to all small businesses.
Maximize Federal Medicaid Dollars to Grow Economy
Protect Consumers from Nuclear Plant Cost Overruns
Recognize First Responder Injuries
Tax Credits for Hiring Ex-Offenders
Financing Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency
Keep More State Procurement Dollars in South Carolina
Encourage Competition in Health Insurance Marketplace
New Membership Benefits
Great news! We’ve added exciting new membership services to help small businesses save even more money in 2017. This on top of our existing membership benefits that can save members up to 60% on copying and 20%-25% on credit card processing. Plus, with membership dues only $100 annually, small business owners can make better business decisions by learning more.