<nobr>Apr 3, 2009</nobr>

ERIC and 184 Other Businesses Urge Obama to Improve on Employer-Based Health Care

In a letter to President Barack Obama, ERIC and 184 other organizations said that any successful health care reform effort must build on the strengths of America's voluntary employer-based health system while ensuring there is a greater variety of affordable private health plan options in the marketplace for all.

"If we fail to improve our health care system, rising health care costs will threaten the viability of U.S. businesses of all sizes and put job security, pay increases and other vital employee benefits at risk for millions of American workers," the letter said. The letter noted that a strategy to control costs must be the foundation of any effort to improve the health care system, and that controlling spiraling health care costs benefits every American seeking access to quality, affordable care and makes it possible for employers to continue their role as voluntary sponsors of health plans for their employees.

The letter further requests that Obama refrain from seeking new mandates. "Faced with a severe and continuing economic crisis, employers simply cannot absorb new burdens, such as specific coverage levels or payment requirements, no matter how well intentioned," the letter says.

Questions or comments on the letter should be addressed to Rohan Beesla (rbeesla@eric.org).

###


Websites:

Letter to President Obama

Back to Previous Page