Kagen: Health Care Reform is the Key to Economic Recovery
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KAGEN: HEALTH CARE REFORM IS THE KEY TO
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| A new report from HHS says the high cost of health care is hurting small businesses |
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April 24, 2009 |
| Appleton, WI — Congressman Steve Kagen, M.D. says a report released today is further evidence that reforming the nation’s health care system is an essential part of improving our economy. This morning, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a new report on how the high cost of health care is causing small businesses to drop insurance coverage for their workers. According to the report, entitled “The Bottom Line: Health Reform and Small Business”, small employers who do offer insurance say rising health costs are impeding their ability to hire more workers and expand their business.
“This report confirms what every small business owner and every family farm owner has been saying for years: the costs for health care are impossible,” said Dr. Kagen. “I am working hard to do what is necessary to get our economy on the right track which includes guaranteeing access to affordable health care for all of us and creating an atmosphere where small businesses can thrive.” Kagen has been touring Northeast Wisconsin with representatives from the Small Business Administration to make people aware of the opportunities available through the Recovery Act including 7 (a) program which allow small business owners to get loans of up to $2 million dollars with a substantial government guarantee and the 504 program which is designed to provide a guarantee on up to $4 million in financing for major economic development projects that can be crucial for job growth and community development. In addition to access to credit, one of the major concerns the Congressman has heard from small business owners is health care costs, an issue Kagen is familiar with as both a physician and small business owner. The report states, “Small business is at the epicenter of America’s health insurance crisis. Across the country, hard-working small business owners are struggling to pay the skyrocketing cost of health insurance for their employees and many are finding that they just cannot do it.” Kagen agrees, “Small businesses are the economic engines of America. They provide nearly 80% of new jobs and generate 50% of our gross domestic product. I believe that helping small businesses is a key step to building a better future.” You can read the report by visiting www.HealthReform.gov |
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