Higher health insurance costs put strain on businesses

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Beth Ipock is communications chair for Springfield Area Human Resources Association, an affiliate chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management.|ret||ret||tab|

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As the economy tightens and many employers are faced with double-digit health-care premium increases, owners and managers are thinking seriously about whether providing group health insurance is a viable option for their businesses. Many of the businesses that keep coverage will pass more of the premium cost on to the employee.|ret||ret||tab|

Typically, an employer will pay a greater percentage of the premium for an employee. As employers pass on the premium cost increases to workers, many workers will be unable to continue coverage for their spouse and children. The economy is also resulting in many lost jobs, which leads to a complete loss of health insurance coverage. |ret||ret||tab|

While the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows an employee or dependents to continue group health coverage, the person electing coverage must pay the entire premium, which is usually cost-prohibitive for someone out of work. |ret||ret||tab|

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Government assistance|ret||ret||tab|

Employers should be active in promoting policies and programs that will keep citizens insured. |ret||ret||tab|

One of the programs that can assist workers during these difficult times is MC-plus for kids. This is a nationwide program administered at the state level available for mid- to low-income families with no group health insurance available. |ret||ret||tab|

According to a recent survey, half of all American children live in families that meet the income requirements for public coverage. Statistics show that children with health insurance coverage have better school attendance, better access to health care and are healthier overall. |ret||ret||tab|

These things are good for our community and our future. Employers should become familiar with the program and be prepared to distribute the information to workers at the same time the COBRA information is offered. Information on this program is available at www.dss.state.mo. us/mcplus/health.htm.|ret||ret||tab|

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Proactive employers|ret||ret||tab|

In addition, employers should be active in contacting state and federal legislators with regard to any legislation mandating what conditions, drugs and treatments must be covered by health plans. |ret||ret||tab|

Mandates lead to additional claims to be paid, which eventually lead to higher premiums. As premiums continue to rise, health coverage for many Americans will become unattainable because it is not affordable for them. |ret||ret||tab|

Many employers are dropping their group health coverage each year because it is no longer a reasonably priced benefit. Also, legislation adding liability to group health providers and employers (in the current version of the Patients Bill of Rights) must be removed. |ret||ret||tab|

Again, with anticipated premium increases and a possibility of liability in an employee's health care, many employers will see group health coverage as a more of detriment than a benefit. |ret||ret||tab|

Employers and employees alike must make their voices heard among lawmakers to ensure that we do not backtrack with regard to affordable health care for America's workers. |ret||ret||tab|

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