Coleman optimistic about small business health care options

Rae Kruger

Marshall Independent

MARSHALL — This one’s got a chance, Sen. Norm Coleman said Friday in Marshall about a health insurance plan geared toward small business.

“We’ve got a shot,” Coleman said after a morning presentation at the Marshall Area YMCA. “If we don’t get it done by November, we will get it after January.”

Coleman, R-Minn., is optimistic because of the bipartisan Senate work on the small business health options program, or SHOP.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and small business committee ranking member Sen. Olympia Snow, R-Maine, and Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., are sponsoring the bill will Coleman.

SHOP will increase the ability of small businesses to offer health insurance to employees, Coleman said.