NEWS ADVISORY

December 18, 2009
PR-09/46
For additional information:
Jason Hammersla
202-289-6700

Council available to provide employer reaction to new version of Senate health care reform bill

WHO:	James A. Klein, president
WHAT:	Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is shortly expected to release a manager's amendment (and accompanying CBO score) to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590). Council President James A. Klein will be available over the weekend for reporters seeking employer reaction to the latest legislative language. The American Benefits Council represents employers that provide comprehensive health coverage. Our members directly sponsor or provide services to health and retirement plans covering more than 100 million Americans. The Council sent a letter to all Senators on December 15, expressing serious concerns with the current form of the Senate bill and setting forth the conditions that must be met to avoid the Council's opposition. "From the beginning, the Council has been a constructive voice throughout the health care debate, and remains one of the last business organizations still working to make the current health reform process succeed. The Council is prepared and wants to support legislation, but only if it is done right," Klein said.
CONTACT:	To arrange an interview with Klein, please contact Jason Hammersla, Council director of communications, at (202) 253-5458 (cell).

The American Benefits Council is the national trade association for companies concerned about federal legislation and regulations affecting all aspects of the employee benefits system. The Council's members represent the entire spectrum of the private employee benefits community and either sponsor directly or administer retirement and health plans covering more than 100 million Americans.