Washington, D.C. -- Today, the National Small Business Association released a report on the impacts of "The Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act of 2005" (S. 1955), sponsored by Sens. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) and Conrad Burns (R-Mont.).

The study, conducted by Mercer Oliver Wyman, Inc., is a follow-up to the 2003 NSBA report about the impact of Association Health Plans (AHPs). The report falls on the eve of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee mark-up of S. 1955, which is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

The 2006 Mercer Report on S. 1955 shows how the bill could lower premiums and reduce the ranks of the uninsured, unlike the 2003 report on AHPs � which projected just the opposite effect from the House-passed AHP legislation.

NSBA has historically opposed AHP legislation, but looks forward to continuing its work with Enzi to make S. 1955 a positive first step in dealing with the many problems facing small businesses who are seeking affordable, quality health care choices.

The full 2006 report can be accessed on the NSBA Web site at nsba.biz/docs/2006_mercer_report.pdf

For nearly 70 years, NSBA has been an advocate for the interests of small businesses throughout the country. The organization, which reaches more than 150,000 small businesses, is proud to be the first national small business advocacy organization in the United States.