The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has praised the passage of H.R. 6703, known as the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. The bill aims to broaden affordable health care choices for small businesses and their employees.
According to NFIB, rising health insurance premiums have been a persistent challenge for small employers. "Small businesses are in the middle of a full-blown health care crisis that is one of the greatest threats to their ability to grow, hire, and invest back into their communities," said NFIB President Brad Close. "Since the turn of the century, small employers have seen their premiums increase by over 120%, and a recent study shows that 98% of small business owners fear they will not be able to afford to offer health benefits to their employees within the next five years. This bill includes significant provisions that will provide more affordability and flexibility for Main Street businesses, and they strongly support H.R. 6703, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. We are pleased lawmakers in the House addressed these major challenges and passed this bill."
Earlier this year, NFIB published a policy paper highlighting concerns about the sustainability of employer-provided health coverage for small businesses. Their research indicates that many small companies may find it increasingly difficult to maintain health benefits for their workforce.
NFIB’s most recent Problems & Priorities survey found that health insurance costs remain the top concern among small business owners—a trend observed since 1986.
NFIB has advocated on behalf of independent business owners nationwide for more than eight decades.
