Senate Considers Effort To Make Health Care Benefits More Affordable

The Senate Ways and Means Committee has heard testimony regarding legislation aimed at making health care benefits more affordable for small employers. Senator Sarah Steelman of Rolla sponsors the legislation, which would provide a tax credit to assist employers in setting up a health care program combining a traditional health insurance plan with high-deductible coverage and health reimbursement accounts. The proposal is similar to a plan recently introduced by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce for its members. Missouri Chamber Care was put together to help small businesses provide health care benefits to employees at reduced premium costs.