Providing health care benefits to employees remains a significant concern for small business owners. Marcie Strouse, a member of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and owner of Capitol Benefits Group in Des Moines, Iowa, addressed this issue before the U.S. House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee. The hearing focused on modernizing American health care.

Strouse highlighted the challenges small businesses face regarding health insurance affordability in the small group market. She emphasized that addressing these issues is crucial for strengthening the role of small businesses in promoting healthier communities across America.

"Small companies are being priced out; they pay nearly twice as much for health care as large companies," Strouse stated during her testimony. "In my home county, family premiums in the small group market have increased 85% in eight years. Across the country, small business participation in the small group market has dropped nearly 50% since 2014. Today, only 30% of small firms provide health benefits, down from almost 50% in 2000."

The NFIB encourages action by urging Congress to increase healthcare choices and lower costs for small businesses.