Business Owners Far From Unified Against Health Care Reform

The Washington Post:

Even as the national business lobby ramps up its opposition to health-care reform, there are signs that employers around the country are divided on the issue, reducing the force of an opposition push.

Read the whole story: The Washington Post

Comments

[whoknew42]

I'm shocked to hear that even WALMART is in favor of Health Care Reform!!

So...what does that tell you, people??!!

[southbay]

Business owners should be seriously in favor of the single payer option for health insurance, for a number of reasons. Think about it from the perspective of an employer.

Many decades ago, health care became a piece of the "total compensation" package that was offered to employees. It was the kind of perquisite that was very attractive to employees, and cost effective for employers, because the employer could negotiate a "per employee" price that was discounted based on volume.

However, after all those years, the insurance industry has found it possible to institute a continually increasing fee, despite the "volume discount." When I looked into the profit margin on the large health insurance companies, I discovered that companies like Cigna have annual profits of roughly 15%. I haven't gone so far as to evaluate the rates at which stockholders have received benefits, but I haven't heard of any stockholders receiving 15% payouts lately. The difference, obviously, goes into salaries and bonuses, as has been reflected in many recent headlines.

As someone who approves health insurance payments, I'm seriously in favor of single payer. I have no problem adjusting my "total compensation" package so that I pay Uncle Sam to administer health care for my employees. I have no concerns about the US government increase the bonus package for the health care "czar," whoever that might be.

[Jermaine Holmes]

Fox News was perplexed as well. I think the real reason is that business owners want a proper health care insurance system. The current one is dying, and anything is better. Republicans are preaching that the reform will bankrupt America [again], but I doubt this. Free choice will increase competition, be beneficial to the consumer, and when the consumer wins everyone wins. I think this will actually expand entrepreneurship and may actually increase the happiness of consumers, which might have an increase in the overall health of citizens.

[FalstaffsMind]

One of things a friend in the insurance business pointed out to me is that companies spend lots of time and money shopping insurance alternatives, requesting and reading proposals, holding benefit meetings, etc. One of the reasons the insurance sales people fear the public option is it's simplicity. If I can budget for 8% per employee, forget about it and go back to making widgets, why wouldn't I?

[FalstaffsMind]

Considering two of our largest corporations just went bankrupt largely due to employee health care obligations, I should think not.

[KillTheMessenger]

Except that they didn't go broke because of health care. They went broke because of decades of mismanagement. Try again.

[rxvette]

As a medical professional myself it disgusts me to see the fact that we are failing to even come close to our capabilities in this country with providing health and wellness to people. I've spent countless hours researching what would bring down costs long term the best and here's my solutions - http://bit.ly/9QLV8

[kathy001]

I'm not buying that there is that much opposition to reform from business owners. Health care reform has the potential to lower costs significantly for businesses and they are always in favor of lowering costs.

Still, I could care less what the business owners want. This is not about health care for businesses this is about health care for people.

[gman2009]

This is just another stall tactic by the existing insurance and health care companies currently in power. They don't want any competition so they use scare tactics to push the status quo.

The sad part is that so many business leaders and politicians are against a plan that will reduce their costs. Yes, some insurance companies will go out of business because they refuse to improve their services or do a better job of negoitating rates with doctors and healthcare providers, but they need to go out of business anyway.

The fact is that repubs are not really pure capitalists because true capitalism welcomes competition.

I believe that there are some small, obscure little insurance companies out there today, who, if given a chance will develop a better system with lower costs and better long term care.

G Man

[srdon]

here's another small business owner for health care reform. we provide 100% coverage (including dental) for all employees. unfortunately we can't provide coverage for their families, too. they have to cover that out of pocket. however, because of the cost many of them can't.

the coverage we provide is through Kaiser of Northern California. in our experience, their care is superb and the out of pocket expenses are minimal. as far as i'm concerned it's a great model for a national plan. health records are computerized; you can get same day appointments if needed; you can make appointments or fill prescrips with email; you can email your doctor directly if you have questions (i've gotten replies almost as soon as the message was sent). the physicians and staff are super attentive.

everyone in the country needs the safety net of health care. it's sad when even those with coverage are under insured and risk bankruptcy if they have a medical crisis---and it doesn't take much to have a crisis.

[Grannysue]

If they are against it then their stupid business people, it will lower their costs!

[PhillyQuaker]

I will have a better chance at finding work if I can buy affordable health care from someone other than my prospective employer. Employers are definitely looking at the age of the candidates and what an illness (myth: older people are sicker people!) might due to the office's group health insurance premium.

[Icantbelieveher]

Great point! People forget about the fact that once you reach 45, your health insurance premium skyrockets!

And how many of us would rather work for a small business rather than corporate America? I know I would! I'd like to start my own small business, but who would work for someone that can't offer benefits?

[DestinationsUnknown]

Rep Blackburn R-TN should find out why her laws - written as a TN State Senator- for TENN CARE is broke- by her own admission in mark up -

Opposed to playing the race card regarding the legitimate birth of OBAMA

How is that education system in Tennessee Ms Blackburn?

Can you say FRAUD Ms. Blackburn?

Fraud you allowed to penetrate the medical universe for decades - Blackburn?

CNN now has Blackburn on against Government Bureaucracy-

YOU WROTE THE LAW BLACKBURN!

Blackburn R-TN wonders why TENN CARE is BROKE? Ask RICK SCOTT!

Tennessee needs to pay attention CPR-Patients Rights to RICK SCOTT

Say this 30 x's

HCA- LARGEST FRAUD in HISTORY
HCA- LARGEST FRAUD in HISTORY
HCA- LARGEST FRAUD in HISTORY
HCA- LARGEST FRAUD in HISTORY
HCA- LARGEST FRAUD in HISTORY
HCA- LARGEST FRAUD in HISTORY
HCA- LARGEST FRAUD in HISTORY
HCA- LARGEST FRAUD in HISTORY

[smiththomas]

the mandates are going to reduce small business employment and cause inflation

[IndieBlue]

Lower prices are going to increase large business employment and cause deflation.

[CR46]

As a small business owner, I support healthcare for all. I am already supplying healthcare for my employees and can compete with those that don't --this will actually put ALL small business on a level playing field

[Icantbelieveher]

They always use the SCARE TACTIC: THIS WILL KILL JOBS! They have nothing else!

I am looking to start my own small business, and I have a friend who will go in with me if she can get health care -- right now she's stuck working at a job she hates, because she has a pre-existing condition and is stuck!

This will create jobs!

[Tim303]

Proper health care would be a tremendous boon for businesses.