Federal action would be more effective than special-interest legislation in making health care more affordable and available, the retail trade association said.

”It’s very appropriate that the President is talking about health care as a national issue,” said Tracy Mullin, president and chief executive officer of the NRF. “This is a nationwide problem that needs a nationwide solution. The proposals being put forth by the President can make a real difference in the lives of the millions of Americans who desperately need health care coverage as soon as possible.”

President Bush supports tighter limits on medical malpractice lawsuits, establishment of Association Health Plans that allow small businesses to band together for large-group rates on health insurance, and expansion of health savings accounts.

Bills pending in a number of states are modeled after a law recently adopted in Maryland that requires companies with 10,000 or more employees to spend at least 8 percent of payroll on health care benefits, according to the NRF.

Some similar bills pending in 30 other states go beyond the Maryland legislation, applying to smaller employers and/or setting higher percentage requirements, the retail trade association said. [April 2006 PET AGE]