The Health Care Reform- "The Businesses' Worries"

The main concern for most business owners are nowadays the costs of providing health care coverage not only for themselves but also for their employees. So, the new health care is followed by many very closely. But due to the variety and complexity of the bills presented many turn to organizations such as the Small Business Majority, which is one of the national organization working with businesses. They answer questions on the cost of various bills and also form policies they advocate for. Terry Gardiner, national policy director for Small Business Majority, claims that most small businesses can be divided into 2 groups – those who cannot afford insurance for their employees and those who have to reduce benefits due to rising costs of health care. However, not only small businesses suffer from rising health care costs. Large businesses such as Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway cite their health care costs as their fastest rising expenses. In general, businesses not only hope for lower expenses but also for higher premiums from insurance companies. These premiums generally depend on what the difference on insurance paid and claims issued was in the past year and can be used by businesses on wellness and prevention programs for employees. Therefore, for businesses the health care reform is not only about profitability but also about the ability to provide insurance, especially with the considered mandatory clause, which would make businesses responsible for providing health care for its employees or at least to financially support it.


by Lucie

Sources: Journal Star September 27, 2009