The Department of Labor proposed a rule today that would allow small businesses to join together to create Small Business Health Plans.

U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said the rule could lead to more people being able to get health insurance at a price they can afford. It is similar to legislation he introduced last year.

“I appreciate the Department of Labor seeking to provide additional paths for small businesses to access health care,” Enzi said. “This could lead to multiple small businesses being able to pool their employees, across multiple states, for the purpose of purchasing health insurance coverage. I have long heard from small businesses regarding the need for greater flexibility and more options for providing health insurance coverage to their employees. That is why I introduced a bill last year to take similar action and have been working on this issue for more than a decade. I look forward to working with the administration as the proposed rule moves through the process.”

Enzi said while he would have preferred Congress to more permanently implement this change, he is glad the Department of Labor is doing what it can to provide relief for small businesses. Enzi encouraged employers in Wyoming to examine the proposed rule and submit comments so the Labor Department can get as much input as possible from the small business community as they work toward finalizing the rule.

The department drafted the proposed rule in response to an executive order from President Trump to create more affordable health care choices through increased flexibility and competition.