AdWeek: Bush Backs 4A's on Health Insurance

A representative from the Association of American Advertising Agencies (4As) met with President George W. Bush to lobby for federal legislation that would pre-empt the conflicting patchwork of state health insurance regulations that prevents the trade association from offering cheaper health benefits to employees of its smaller members. Bush said he supported the measure, as trade association bargaining is a cornerstone of his healthcare reform ideas.

Eight years ago, the 4As offered discounted insurance - through its ability to roll up many small agencies into stronger collective bargaining positions with insurance companies - but the program was nixed when states started tinkering with regulations, making compliance in one state conflict with compliance in another.