SB 86 - Small Business Healthcare Act

Senate Bill 86, Small Business Healthcare Act, allows for the formation of Association Health Plans (AHP) in North Carolina. AHPs allow small business owners and sole proprietors to collectively purchase health insurance. In doing so AHPs pools risk and drive down healthcare costs. Civitas Action believes AHPs are an effective tool to address the high costs of health insurance markets. By combining their insurance buying power, AHPs give small businesses similar negotiating advantages as larger corporations. SB 86 offers workable supply-side reforms to a healthcare market strangled by government regulation. The legislation removes government barriers for a product that has clear demand in the free market. Civitas Action believes individuals should be free to opt-in to Association Health Plans. The freedom-expanding vote is yes.