Washington – “Business Roundtable members commend Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus for continuing to advance the goal of passing effective health care reform legislation. As the results of yesterday’s Business Roundtable report show, if health care costs continue on the current path, the cost to employers for providing coverage will triple, exceeding $29,000 per employee over the next decade. Simply put, the cost of inaction on health care is unsustainable and could put millions of workers at risk.

“The status quo is a prescription for failure. Chairman Baucus has put forward a bold framework for health care reform that builds on what works and improves what doesn't. The momentum is building and the moment is now. Our sleeves are rolled up as we join in this critical work to reform the health care system.

“Baucus’ bill reflects a step in the right direction on the long road toward health care reform. It is important, however, we remain vigilant about controlling the overall cost of reform.

“We support Sen. Baucus on his continued work on health reform and we remain willing to play a role in advancing a health care reform plan that will empower consumers, promote innovation, incentivize healthy behaviors, reduce costs and cover every American,” said Antonio M. Perez, Chair of Business Roundtable’s Consumer Health and Retirement Initiative and Chairman and CEO of Eastman Kodak Company.