WASHINGTON D.C. (Oct. 28, 2002) — The Rubber Manufacturers Association is part of a coalition of business interests urging Congress to avoid further government mandates on employer-sponsored health benefit plans that could force some companies to eliminate or curtail health benefits.
The RMA, in a news release, said the coalition has sent letters to President George W. Bush, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) urging them not to pursue legislation that would impose new health care mandates, such as mental health benefits parity legislation (S.543) proposed by Senators Pete Domenici (R-Ariz.) and the late Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.).
The letter said employers recognize the benefit and need for mental health coverage, but added that expensive health care costs limit businesses to offfering what they can afford. The letter further asked Congress and the Administration to concentrate on making health care affordable for employers and working families, rather than imposing new health care mandates that would increase the number of uninsured Americans.
Congress currently is in recess, but will return after the November elections for a lame duck session to complete pending business.