Business groups push private-sector solutions

Twenty state chambers of commerce and employer groups have formed Employers for Quality Health Care, a new coalition advocating for private-sector solutions to the healthcare crisis.

Members include the chambers of commerce in Arkansas, Georgia, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota and other states; Associated Oregon Industries; the Iowa Association of Business and Industry; the Texas Association of Business; and Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

The coalition opposes an employer mandate and public insurance option as part of reform. In a letter to members of Congress and President Barack Obama, the group says it wants Medicare and Medicaid reform, tort reform, provider incentives for total outcomes, health savings accounts and small-business insurance pooling.

“We stand united in support of free-market reforms that promote choice and competition,” said George Israel, president of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, in a written statement.

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