Michigan Business Professional Association Calls For Speedy Supreme Court Health Care Act Ruling

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr. 10, 2012 - April 10, 2012 - The Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) is calling for the timely release of the U.S. Supreme Court’s impending decision regarding the constitutionality of the federal Affordable Care Act and continued implementation of the State of Michigan’s “Health Care Exchange” as authorized by the State Senate and supported by Gov. Rick Snyder.

“Although our association did not support the Affordable Care Act, we do not want to see the state lose its control of the key policy and program decisions required by the act while everyone speculates about the ultimate decision of the nation’s highest court,” said Jennifer Kluge, MBPA President and CEO. “We hope that, contrary to media reports, the Supreme Court will put politics aside and focus on doing its job on the legal issues in the case and release its decision as soon as practical under its normal procedures. Once a ruling is made, Michigan can move forward accordingly.”

Kluge explained that her remarks are in response to rumors at the federal level of possible delays in a ruling. She stressed that the more than 20,000 small business owners who make up MBPA cannot afford to hold up their health care planning for much longer. Some businesses are moving forward with the new healthcare law, while others are awaiting official word from Washington D.C.

Health insurance exchanges, as provided for by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), establish in each state a marketplace where individuals and small businesses can compare policies and premiums, and buy insurance with a government subsidy, if available.

Kluge noted that MBPA testified before the State Senate Health and Insurance Joint Committee and the State House Health Policy Committee on the need for a state-run health insurance exchange last summer. The Association stressed the need for businesses to see cost savings, not increases, once this Act takes full effect, and that this legislation creates more options, not hurdles, for the business community.




Based in Warren, Mich., the MBPA is the largest business organization of small to medium-sized businesses in Michigan, representing more than 20,000 members who employ over 160,0000 persons. Members include attorneys, physicians, architects, accountants, construction companies, banks, retail, wholesalers, manufacturers and the like.  Member businesses receive numerous benefits including free legal and financial consultations; discounted technology, automotive and office products; employee training and recruitment assistance; and competitive group insurance rates. The MBPA is a sister association to the Michigan Food & Beverage Association (MFBA).


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Jennifer Kluge   586-393-8800 office
      586-202-1441 cell
Or
Sue Voyles   734-667-2005 office
      734-635-3831 cell