The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (SBC) and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) each held hearings last week regarding Association Health Plans (AHPs) and the small business health care crisis. AHPs would enable small businesses to band together across state lines through bona fide trade and professional associations to purchase affordable health packages for themselves and their employees.

In February, legislation that would provide small businesses with access to greater health insurance options and lower premiums by allowing for the creation of Association Health Plans was introduced in both the House and Senate.

On Wednesday, February 16, Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME) introduced in the Senate "The Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005" (S.406), which looks to "help small businesses access greater health insurance options and lower premiums" by allowing for the creation of Association Health Plans (AHP). The bill was co-sponsored by a bi-partisan group of 10 senators, including Senators Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) and John McCain (R-AZ). Following its introduction into the Senate, S.

On Wednesday, February 2, Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives "The Small Business Health Fairness Act" (H.R. 525), legislation that would allow for the creation of Association Health Plans (AHPs). AHPs would enable small businesses to band together across state lines through bona fide trade and professional associations to purchase affordable health packages for themselves and their employees.

Big crowds were moving through the trade show floor all day Saturday collecting galleys, autographs, and totebags.