Many of us recently watched President Obama’s State of the Union address and heard that the main priorities now are jobs and the economy. National health care remains very important but is taking a back seat to more pressing issues.

The state already has many of the provisions in the proposed House and Senate bills. But how is the health care issue going to affect the citizens and businesses in Auburn?

We all need to be more concerned about what is going on in Olympia right now regarding health care. Today is the deadline for bills to pass out of the policy committees.

One of the most important Senate bills is SB 6538, which redefines a small business. Previously, Olympia determined the true definition of a small business was one that had 2-50 employees. This left out all the sole proprietors and self-employees in Auburn without the opportunity to purchase group medical coverage. Prior to that, a sole proprietor actually could purchase group protection, which offered more coverage than individual protection at affordable rates. Once that definition was established, many of these Auburn businesses lost their group coverage and had to go with individual protection or no coverage at all.

SB 6538 will redefine a small group to be 1-100 employees. This will allow for more flexibility for the small businesses in Auburn to be able to purchase group medical coverage once more.

I believe if this bill should make it out of committee and is passed, the insurance carriers will once again begin to offer group medical coverage if you are a sole proprietor. Currently, you have to have at least one employee and yourself to be able to secure group coverage. There are many small businesses in Auburn that do not qualify in that category. This bill can be very beneficial.

HB 3050 also would be a great benefit for the businesses in Auburn. It will allow insurance carriers to offer a plan that is actuarially equivalent to the basic health plan offered by the state of Washington.

Both of these bills will help any and all businesses in our fair city. In addition, a small business right now can secure discounted group insurance coverage if they are a member of the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce or a member of the Association of Washington Business.

As these bills move forward, we will keep you informed of your opportunity to take advantage of the various offers. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the other Washington to see how they will affect the citizens of Auburn.

– Ron Copple owns Copple Insurance Group