Sen. Coleman talks health care in Hutchinson

Small American businesses are increasingly unable to provide health insurance to their employees due to escalating costs, especially plan administrative costs.

U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman told about 75 Hutchinson area business and government officials that a bipartisan bill he is sponsoring would make it easier for employees of small businesses to get health insurance. Coleman was on a tour of Greater Minnesota cities Friday that was to include stops later that day in Marshall and Bemidji. The Bemidji stop was canceled because of threatening snow in northern Minnesota.

The Small Business Health Options Program, or SHOP bill, would “create an opportunity to pool together to offer affordable health care,” Coleman said. The Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau organized his breakfast appearance at the Hutchinson Event Center.

“I believe that in the 21st century every American should have the opportunity to have affordable health care, but outside a government-run program,” he said.

Read the April 29 print edition of the Leader for more on Coleman’s visit.

(Terry Davis is a Hutchinson Leader staff writer. E-mail him at davis@hutchinsonleader.com.)