For small business owners, finding an affordable health care plan can seem impossible.
And as time goes on, businesses that already provide health care are finding it more expensive than before.
A large number of businesses have seen double-digit percentage increases in their premiums over the last decade.
There is heavy debate, in Congress and throughout the nation, about how to reduce health insurance costs.
Coming up with a solution is a difficult mountain to climb because of the wide variety of problems that contribute to the high prices.
Here is an example for you.
In most states, a small number of insurance companies account for 75% of small business health insurance plans.
This puts a small number of businesses in control, reduces competition, and usually allows price gouging.
If the government decides to run its own program for small businesses, it comes from our taxes.
It could also change the quality of an employer's present coverage.
If the government issues tax credits, it not only fails to regulate the health care industry, it still may not be enough to make it affordable for some businesses.
If it raises eligibility limits for Medicare to provide health insurance for more people, then the money for it comes out of the state's pockets.
This is just an illustration of one dilemma.
It goes beyond small businesses, which are hurting badly, and spreads out to the uninsured and underinsured masses.
What You Can Do Search.
The internet is full of helpful resources.
Go to any search engine (Google, Yahoo, Ask) and type in small business health insurance.
There are companies you may not have known of that provide business insurance, and their are services that allow you to compare plans simultaneously.
Beware though, as the internet has become laced with scams.
These are usually offered under monikers like "discount plans", and "low cost health care.
" To find out who is licensed to sell small business insurance, you can visit your state's Chamber of Commerce.
They can also help point you towards reputable companies who provide coverage for other small businesses.
Keep Looking.
It never hurts to shop around.
Plans and rates change frequently.
The best deal today could be the worst deal tomorrow.
So it may be to your benefit to check with other companies annually or bi-annually to see what offers are out there.
This could, however, frustrate your workers if they have to change doctor networks every time you decide to switch providers.
A useful tactic to prevent this behavior is to give your employees some say in which health care provider you should go with.
Make Sure You Get What You Need.
Don't pick an insurance plan just because it has the lowest price.
Don't sacrifice coverage for cash.
Because if something serious enough happens, and your insurance doesn't cover it, it was a waste of money anyway.
The goal here is to keep an efficient, productive work force.
A valuable employee plagued with health related issues could be a bigger loss than what you are paying for your small business health insurance.