Access to affordable health care insurance is a serious problem for millions of Americans that are employed by a small business or self-employed.

In fact, 46 million Americans do not have health insurance. Of those, more than 60% work for a small business or are dependent upon someone who does.

There is legislation pending before the U.S. Senate, already passed by the U.S. House, that would allow small businesses to pool together through their professional or trade associations to purchase health coverage from established insurance companies -- just like large corporations do now.

A broad and diverse coalition of more than 160 groups, representing 12 million small firms and 80 million employees, support the legislation. A recent national poll shows that  89% of Americans also support the concept of Smalll Business Health Plans. From Democrats to Republicans, small business owners to large company employees, union members to non-union members, support for this health purchasing model is very strong.