Health Care Reform
SUMMARY
The IFA supports legislative efforts to increase the access and affordability of health insurance for franchised businesses and its employees. Specifically, the IFA supports policies that will:
- Employ market-based reforms to expand competition and choice in all markets for the purchase of private health insurance
- Provide tax incentives to assist with the purchase of health insurance
- Increase the healthcare options and products available to employers and employees
- Lead to increased transparency for consumers
In the past, the IFA has strongly advocated for legislation to create Small Business Health Plans (SBHPs), which would allow employers to offer health insurance to their employees through the employer’s membership in an association, or association-like group (such as a franchise system). Providing a framework for small businesses to join together, SBHPs would enable small employers to compete on a more level playing field with other businesses by spreading risk among a much larger group, strengthening negotiating power with plans and providers, and reducing administrative costs.
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This is an historic law that will provide access to health insurance for millions of Americans who could previously not afford it or were disqualified from coverage due to a pre-existing condition. This new law is also the capstone to over 50 years of hard fought legislative battles to expand health insurance coverage in the United States. We have created this issue toolkit webpage to provide the latest information known about the new law. Over the next several years, various federal agencies will begin issuing new regulations and guidance to assist employers to comply with the law as it is implemented. Please continue to check back here often for the latest information.
The IFA remains concerned that healthcare coverage options for franchise systems will continue to be unaffordable or inadequate. The root of the problem is that the health care costs and premiums have been rising much faster than the rate of inflation or the rate of employee wages. We plan to be actively engaged in the regulatory process moving forward to ensure that this new law works for small franchised businesses.
Most Recent Documents
EFHC Coalition Comments on IRS Request for Information Regarding Employer Responsibilities in PPACA - June 17, 2011
Small Business Coalition for Affordable Healthcare Letter 1.11
Start Over! Coalition Letter Supporting Employer Mandate Repeal - May 18, 2011
Five Ways PPACA Hurts Small Business
Start Over Coalition Letter Supporting Hutchison Amendment - March 29, 2011
IFA Comments on IRS Changes to 1099 Reporting for Small Businesses - September 28, 2010
Coalition for Affordable Health Coverage Comments on New "Grandfather" Rules - August 16, 2010
Small Business Coalition for Affordable Health Care Comments on New "Grandfather" Rules - August 16, 2010
IFA Letter to President Obama on Health Care Law Implementation – July 7, 2010
Statement of Gail Johnson, President/CEO of Rainbow Station, Inc. Before the House Republican Health Care Solutions Forum - May 27, 2010
For more information, please contact Jay Perron, Vice President of Government Relations at jperron@franchise.org or 202-662-0797