Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2004
The Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2004, also known as the "Small Business Medical Care bill" or "House Resolution 4281," amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The goal of this legislation, which did not pass through the Senate, was to establish "Association Healthcare Plans," which are group healthcare plans run by trade and other business associations.
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Sponsors
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The Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2004 was sponsored by Rep. Samuel Johnson, a Republican from Texas. It was co-sponsored by Reps. Cass Ballenger, Marsha Blackburn, John Boehner, Michael Burgess, Max Burns, Shelley Capito, Philip Crane, Calvin Dooley, Jo Ann Emerson,
James Greenwood, Ric Keller and James Kolbe.
Votes
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On May 13, 2004, the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2004 passed through the House of Representatives with 252 "yes" votes, 162 "no" votes, and 19 present" votes. The bill was passed on to the Senate, but a vote never took place, so the legislation died there.
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Other Legislation
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House Resolution 638 called for the amendment of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which would have disposed of unused health benefits in cafeteria plans and flexible spending plans. House Resolution 4275 called for the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the 10 percent individual income tax rate bracket on a permanent basis. Similar to the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2004, both of these bills passed through the House but not the Senate.
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References
- Photo Credit capitol image by Andrew Breeden from Fotolia.com
