PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Business Group on Health and the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce will join forces in the coming year “to ensure that the Rhode Island business voice is forcefully understood” as health care reform is implemented, both groups said Thursday.
Many of the provisions of the federal law – most notably, the health insurance exchanges – require state-level action and decision-making, and business leaders are already involved in discussions led by Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts about how Rhode Island should respond.
Through their new partnership, RIBGH and the Chamber will develop position papers during the 2011 session of the R.I. General Assembly and beyond.
“With implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on the horizon, it will be essential for the business community to precisely understand and provide guidance to regulators on both the intended and unintended consequences to employers,” said Laurie White, president of the Chamber.
RIBGH, White added, “has been a strong leader representing business issues ranging from health care reform and electronic medical records to quality measures and hospital and insurance company rate hike requests.”
Michael Vittoria, president of RIBGH and vice president of human resources for Sperian Protection in Smithfield, said his group “is proud to partner with such a respected business-focused membership organization.”
The group has also recently affiliated itself with the Worksite Wellness Council of Rhode Island to advocate for wellness policies, tools and resources.
