"Small firms’ rates soaring; Some curtail health plans; state caps have limited impact" by Erin Ailworth, Globe Staff | September 23, 2010
Many small Massachusetts businesses are grappling with major increases in health insurance costs, despite an aggressive effort by the Patrick administration to cap rate increases.
Related: The Massachusetts Model: Rates Rising Through the Roof
The Massachusetts Model: Rate Wars
Some "aggressive" effort.
As a result of premium increases that in some cases top 30 percent, companies say they are reducing coverage to save money, and using more independent contractors instead of payroll employees to avoid having to offer insurance.
“It’s insane,’’ said Ori Ron, managing partner of Hudson Group North America, whose small Swampscott real estate firm faces premium increases of more than 31 percent from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. “The only thing that counts is the bottom line, and the bottom line obviously wasn’t capped.’’
Just investigating the AmeriKan health care system makes you sick.
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The state’s 2006 health care law — which requires most businesses to offer insurance or face penalties — has also contributed to the rise in costs for companies. The law lumped small businesses, sole-proprietors, and individuals into one group. Since then, rates for individuals have generally decreased, while businesses are paying more, according to state data.
During the summer, some small companies said they were forced to stop offering insurance altogether, advising their employees to sign up for Commonwealth Care, the state-subsidized insurance program....
Yeah, there is going to be a LOT of THAT in the FUTURE!
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Also see: The Massachusetts Model: Screwing Small Business
The Massachusetts Model: Destroying Small Business
You are seeing it in action here.
You sure you want that national health plan the Democrats inserted in your anus, Americans?
