Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2004

H.R. 4498, the Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act of 2004, proposes creating a national health insurance program specifically for self-employed individuals and employees of small businesses with fewer than 100 workers. Administered by the Office of Personnel Management, the program would allow these individuals to access a variety of private insurance plans similar to those currently available to federal employees.

For citizens, this bill aims to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for small business owners and their staff by pooling them into a larger group to negotiate better rates. It would prevent insurance companies from charging higher premiums based on a person's health history, though rates could still vary by age. Additionally, the bill provides a refundable tax credit to small employers who help pay for their employees' insurance premiums under the program.