Restaurants Gain Support for Lawsuit Against San Francisco Health Plan
San Francisco restaurants are gaining supporters in their lawsuit against the city's mandatory health payments, the San Francisco Business Times reports.
At least nine groups have submitted briefs to the U.S. Court of Appeals, arguing that San Francisco's health plan is superseded by the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, which limits local governments from administering employee benefits.
The groups include the:
- California Chamber of Commerce;
- National Association of Manufacturers;
- National Federation of Independent Business; and
- U.S. Department of Labor.
The plan, called Healthy San Francisco, is designed to provide access to health care services to the city's uninsured adult residents. As of January, San Francisco businesses with at least 20 employees are required to spend a minimum amount on health care, either in coverage for their workers or in payments to the city.
In 2006, the Golden Gate Restaurant Association, the trade group for city restaurants, sued the city to overturn the employer contribution provision of the Healthy San Francisco plan.
Supporters of Healthy San Francisco say that business contributions are necessary for the program to reach as many city residents as possible.
Oral arguments in the case are scheduled for April 17 (Young, San Francisco Business Times, 3/31). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.