WASHINGTON (May 27, 2008) – The Georgia Association of REALTORS® (GAR) and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) thanked U.S. Representative John Barrow (D- GA) for introducing the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) today in his home state of Georgia. Both GAR and NAR and their members declared support and endorsed the program, while the REALTOR® organization reiterated the importance of reforming the U.S. health care market for small businesses and independent contractors.
     A recently conducted 2008 NAR Health Insurance Coverage survey found that 82 percent of REALTORS® believe the current health care system is not meeting the needs of most Americans and 91 percent believe that the U.S. health care systems should be reformed. Nearly a quarter of NAR’s 1.2 million members do not have health care insurance, and for most REALTORS® without insurance, the reason is cost.
    “More than half of all REALTORS® report that the current health care system is not meeting their needs or those of their family,” said NAR President Richard F. Gaylord. “This issue is substantial and meaningful, and it affects Realtors® and other small business employees and independent contractors all across our country. That is why NAR is standing beside Congressman Barrow today in a strong show of support.”
    Steven Fischer of Savannah, President-Elect for GAR, adds, “Affordable insurance should be a viable option for REALTORS® as well independent contractors from all industries. Choosing to be in business for yourself or as a part of a small group should not be at the expense of comprehensive and affordable health insurance.”
    As proposed, SHOP would offer tax incentives to encourage states to reform small group insurance markets and to make health insurance premiums for small businesses and the self-employed more affordable. It would also develop a nationwide insurance small business purchasing pool that would still be subject to state insurance regulation to protect those who choose to participate.
    “We believe that the legislation introduced today is a much needed step forward in addressing the challenges facing our members,” Gaylord said. “We appreciate that Congress is recognizing that small businesses need help navigating the health insurance markets and have created a role for trade associations to help guide their self-employed and small business members through the process.”
    GAR and NAR support the newly introduced SHOP concept and believes that the proposed program will offer more choices and lower costs for the self-employed and small businesses.
The Georgia Association of REALTORS®, The Voice for Real EstateTM in Georgia, is a voluntary member association comprised of over 41,000 real estate professionals and industry affiliates. REALTOR® is a registered mark which identifies a professional in real estate who subscribes to a strict Code of Ethics as a member of NAR.
    The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate industries.
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