Small Business Owners Expect Health Care Cost Increases Due To Health Care Reform

Two-thirds of small business owners (50 or fewer employees) believe their health care costs will increase due to health care reform; 59% expect no increase in the overall health of the American public; and 79% expect no decrease in regulatory burdens. Three-quarters of small employers expect health care reform to increase taxes. About one-fifth of small employers currently offering health benefits expect to significantly decrease health benefits or increase employees’ premium cost sharing at their next health plan renewal. About 87% of small employers who do not currently offer health benefits have no plans to start offering . . .