Jeff Brabant, NFIB Vice President of Federal Government Relations, expressed disappointment with the recent final health care rule on short-term health plans. The rule limits health care coverage for small employers by restricting their ability to choose flexible, low-cost options. NFIB had previously submitted comments to the administration opposing this rule.
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 in order to better support small employers.
According to a recent survey conducted by NFIB, 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. Additionally, 98% of small employers are concerned that the cost of providing health insurance will become unsustainable in the next five to ten years. This underscores the importance of affordable healthcare options for small businesses and the need for policies that support their access to such coverage.