Hoosier State Today

Indiana small business owners have reiterated their concerns over the affordability of health insurance, emphasizing the critical need for legislative action to alleviate health care costs for small employers. The Indiana Senate Health and Provider Services Committee is currently reviewing House Bill 1003. This legislation aims to improve health care pricing transparency and empower small businesses to provide more affordable health insurance options for their employees.

Natalie Robinson, the NFIB Indiana State Director, voiced the concerns of members: “We often hear from our small business members on how health insurance is a top challenge for them due to the skyrocketing costs and limited options.” Robinson added that small businesses are optimistic about the health care-related bills being considered by the General Assembly this session and are hopeful “that HB 1003 will pass quickly and head to Governor Braun’s desk to sign.”

Robinson has also provided testimony on health care legislation, including bills SB 3 and HB 1064. In support of these legislative efforts, NFIB released a policy paper titled “Addressing the Health Insurance Affordability Crisis for Small Businesses.” This document outlines the challenges faced by small businesses, highlighting the unsustainable nature of employer-provided health coverage for millions of small businesses and their employees.

The policy paper points out that average premiums for small businesses have significantly increased in the last two decades, with average single plan premiums rising by 120% and family plan premiums by 129% for firms with 50 or fewer employees. Furthermore, the percentage of small businesses offering health insurance has dropped to 30% from nearly 50% in 2000. The paper also notes that 98% of small businesses are worried about their ability to afford health insurance offerings in the next five years. Small businesses are at a disadvantage in comparison to larger firms, spending about 12% of payroll on health benefits while larger firms spend around 7%.

The NFIB’s policy paper is accessible for further consultation.