America's Need For Health Reform - Small Business Owner Testifies Before Congress

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 30 Sep 2008 - 1:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Patricia Owen, owner of FACES DaySpa on Hilton Head Island, SC, recently testified on Capital Hill before the House Energy and Commerce's Health Sub-Committee regarding America's need for health reform. Her message? Small business owners need more health insurance options.

Owen called upon Congress to provide additional health insurance options for small businesses. These include allowing small businesses to band together across state lines to purchase insurance through trade and professional associations; tax credits for small businesses; improvements to HSAs; and amendments to the tax code to make it easier for small businesses to offer cafeteria plans and flexible spending accounts. "Congress can, and should, consider legislation that can help small business owners like me," Owen said.

Owen was invited by the US Chamber to represent the small business community on this vital issue. Other expert witnesses on the nine member panel included Elizabeth Edwards, wife of John Edwards, and The Honorable Jon Corzine, governor of New Jersey.

Patricia Owen founded FACES in 1983 as a small "mom and pop" business. Today, it has grown to include 23 full and part time employees. For more information about FACES DaySpa visit http://www.facesdayspa.com.

The entire testimony can be viewed here.

The entire hearing can be viewed here.

FACES DaySpa