Is Small Business Caught In The Middle Of Health Care Reform?

Small business owners will undoubtedly have some benefits and potential losses with health care reform. In the long run it depends on what finally passes and at the present time, no one knows for sure what the final bill will look like. To be fair, lets review the pros and cons:

• Small business owners pay an average of 18% more for health insurance than larger companies so a bill that would level the playing field would benefit them.
• Premiums have continued to rise fast for all companies, but small business owners have a more difficult time keeping up with rising premiums.
• Because many companies can’t maintain insurance coverage, they have a hard time competing in the market place for good employees.

There is no doubt that all businesses would benefit with some sort of reform. Health costs can drive companies out of business or stunt their growth. There is  no argument with this. There has to be a way to contain costs without penalizing everyone who can’t afford health insurance by taxing them if  they don’t provide it. How can you justify penalizing businesses in this recession?

As a business coach and consultant, I deal with a lot of businesses and they are very concerned about the proposed plans. Let’s hope that Washington comes to their senses and passes a bill that is fair and equitable for everyone.