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Janel Knight Trulear
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(617) 875-6581

STATEMENT: New data showing strong ACA Marketplace enrollment demonstrates how smart healthcare reform unlocks the economic power of small businesses



Statement by Small Business for America’s Future Senior Advisor Rhett Buttle, on data released today by the U.S. Department of the Treasury showing 3.3 million small business owners and self-employed workers were covered by ACA Marketplaces in 2022

WASHINGTON D.C., Sept. 25, 2024–“The new data showing 3.3 million small business owners and self-employed workers are covered by ACA Marketplaces—28% of all Marketplace enrollments in the 21-64 age range—demonstrates just how important affordable and reliable health insurance is to unleashing the economic power of Main Street. With nearly one in five small business owners and self-employed workers relying on ACA Marketplaces for coverage, it’s clear that the Affordable Care Act is playing a pivotal role in supporting the small business boom the country has been enjoying.

“The economic impact of this healthcare access is profound. It’s a key factor in the historic small business boom we’re experiencing, with 19.4 million new business applications filed since 2021. Affordable healthcare allows entrepreneurs to take calculated risks to open their doors, innovate, and drive job creation without the fear of losing health coverage. Moreover, it levels the playing field, enabling small businesses to compete for quality employees—crucial to the success of any enterprise—with larger companies that can more easily afford comprehensive health plans.

“While these enrollment figures are remarkable, there’s more work to be done. Measures strengthening the ACA in the Inflation Reduction Act such as expanded tax credits increasing the affordability of Marketplace plans have been crucial to coverage gains. But further improvements are needed to extend those tax credits or make them permanent. As we move forward, it’s essential that policymakers continue to prioritize small businesses’ needs in healthcare policy discussions. Expanding access to affordable healthcare will bolster small business bottom lines, drive entrepreneurship and job creation, and inject economic vitality into communities across the country. This, in turn, will strengthen our entire economy and help transform the historic entrepreneurial enthusiasm we are currently witnessing into lasting prosperity for all Americans.”

To request an interview with Small Business for America’s Future Senior Adviser Rhett Buttle contact Janel Knight Trulear at (617) 875-6581 or janel@emccommunications.com.  

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About Small Business for America’s Future
Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.