The fraction of small firms offering health insurance has been declining in recent years. From to , the fraction of firms with 3 to 9 employees offering health insurance to their workers declined from 58 to 49 percent. Small businesses that meet certain criteria would be able to purchase health insurance through an "insurance exchange" — allowing them to choose among a multitude of plans that would provide better coverage at lower costs than they could find in the current small group market.
Many small businesses that provide health insurance for their employees would receive a small business tax credit to alleviate their disproportionately higher costs and encourage coverage.
The tax credit would be targeted to those firms with employees whose average wages fall below a certain threshold. The current reform options include financial incentives for medium- and large-sized firms to provide health insurance coverage through so-called "pay-or-play" provisions. Firms with payrolls or employment levels below a certain threshold, which would include the vast majority of small businesses, would be exempt from the pay-or-play provisions. The creation of an insurance exchange would also provide better and lower-cost options for workers in small businesses that do not offer health insurance.
Low-income individuals and families would receive sliding scale subsidies to help them purchase insurance. Additionally, health insurers would not be allowed to screen potential enrollees for pre-existing conditions. The proposed reforms could help spur entrepreneurial activity by increasing the incentives for talented Americans to launch their own companies, and could increase the pool of workers willing to work at small firms.
Further, successful reform would reduce the phenomenon of "job lock," in which workers are reluctant to leave a job with employer-sponsored health insurance out of fear that they will not be able to find affordable coverage. There are 18, small businesses in the district that will be able to join the health insurance exchange.
There are up to 15, small businesses in the district that could qualify for credits. These Exchanges would include web portals that provide standardized, easy-to-understand information that make comparing and purchasing health care coverage easier for small business employees, and reduce the administrative hassle that small businesses currently face in offering plans. To be eligible for a tax credit, the employer must contribute at least 50 percent of the total premium cost.
Tax-exempt small businesses meeting the above requirements are eligible for tax credits of up to 25 percent of their contribution. I strongly encourage readers to discuss their HCR situations with their advisors to determine the actions they need to take or to visit HealthCare. Health Care Photo via Shutterstock. I belong to the group that does not know a thing about how to manage her healthcare.
While I can try to read about it, it is far too complicated for my taste. I would rather read a good book than worry about my healthcare program. Is it not time for take care of the health care business once for all and let the market medical companies, doctors, patients, customers decide? All rights reserved.
Share on Flipboard. Email this Article. Some of you may be asking: Why should I rush to meet guidelines and deadlines that seem to be constantly changing and being pushed back? Well I have an answer — you should take action for your employees. Michael Zuna.
Michael W.
0コメント