The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is disappointed with the recent final health care rule on short-term health plans which limits health care coverage for small employers. This rule restricts small businesses’ ability to choose health coverage by limiting access to flexible, low-cost, short-term health plans. NFIB had previously submitted comments to the administration opposing this rule.
Jeff Brabant, NFIB Vice President of Federal Government Relations, stated that this rule is a step in the wrong direction for small business owners who are seeking more affordable, flexible, and predictable options for themselves and their employees. Small businesses already face numerous challenges, and this rule adds another layer of complexity and red tape. NFIB is urging the administration to withdraw this rule to better support small employers.
Small businesses have been grappling with rising costs associated with providing health insurance to their employees for over 40 years. A recent survey conducted by NFIB revealed that 56% of small employers currently offer health insurance to employees, while 44% do not. The primary reason cited by small employers for not offering health insurance is cost, with 65% of respondents stating this as the main factor. This underscores the importance of affordable healthcare options for small businesses and the need for policies that support their access to such coverage.
Furthermore, 98% of small employers are concerned that the cost of providing health insurance to their employees will become unsustainable in the next five to ten years. This highlights the urgent need for policies that provide more affordable options for small businesses so they can continue to offer quality benefits without breaking their budgets.
The NFIB members have identified rising costs associated with providing healthcare as one of their top concerns for over four decades. Small businesses are already facing a myriad of challenges; adding another layer of complexity and red tape through policy restrictions makes it even harder for them to compete in today’s marketplace.
In conclusion, NFIB believes that a more flexible approach towards healthcare policies could better serve small business owners who want more affordable options without sacrificing quality benefits or going broke in process.
