The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) expressed disappointment with the recent health care final rule on short-term health plans that limits health care coverage for small employers. This rule limits the ability of small businesses to choose health insurance by limiting access to flexible, low-cost, short-term health plans.
Jeff Brabant, NFIB’s vice president of federal government relations, said the rule is a step in the wrong direction for small business owners looking for 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 bureaucracy. The NFIB is urging the administration to withdraw this rule to better support small employers.
Small employers have identified rising cost of health insurance as one of their biggest concerns for more than 40 years. A recent survey conducted by the NFIB found that 56% of small employers currently offer health insurance to employees, while 44% do not. The primary reason small employers give for not offering health insurance is cost, with 65% of respondents citing this as the main factor.
Furthermore, 98% of small employers are concerned that the cost of health insurance for their employees will become unsustainable in the next five to ten years. This highlights the importance of affordable health care options for small businesses and the need for policies that support their access to such coverage. The NFIB members have been advocating for policies that provide more affordable and flexible options for small businesses when it comes to their employee’s healthcare coverage.