Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) Americans, including small businesses in the Nation, could benefit from access to efficient, quality, and more affordable health care coverage options. (2) Health insurance coverage designed to fill temporary gaps in coverage when an individual is transitioning from one plan or coverage to another, such as transitions in employment, is valuable. (3) Small businesses are particularly challenged by escalating health care costs threatening their viability and ability to continue supporting their employees and contributing to their local economies. (4) With continuously rising health care costs, short-term limited duration affordable health plans may provide a critical means for small business owners to provide portable coverage for United States workers. (5) Access to flexible health care choices for American consumers and the small business community is paramount, including insurance plans that provide affordable and flexible coverage, building a path toward stronger health care coverage in the Nation.