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The Latest Updates
OSBHI launches new website!
Date posted: Fri, Sep 11th 2009 1:10 pmWe are pleased to announce the launch of our new website! Special thanks to Media Mechanic for donating the site to our cause!...[ READ MORE ]
Connect to OSBHI
The Oregon Small Business Healthcare Initiative was founded to give Oregon's small business community a voice in the fight for meaningful healthcare reform efforts at the state and federal level.
[ Join the fight today! ]
Why small business needs affordable, sustainable healthcare:
Healthcare costs are being shifted to small businesses.
During these tough economic times, a healthcare system is needed that helps keep our small businesses strong -- a system where everyone has access to affordable, quality and sustainable health coverage.
Whenever a medical insurance provider raises its commercial and individual rates, it creates a direct impact on Oregon’s small businesses. Over the last eight years, most Oregon businesses have experienced annual double-digit increases. With these types of increases, the ability of small companies to provide comprehensive health coverage comes into question and many have made the tough decision to cut back benefits or drop them completely. This moves the burden to individuals and families and forces more Oregonians to the uninsured ranks.
The cycle continues as the cost of providing health care for uninsured Oregonians, usually through emergency rooms, is creating a burden on rural and urban hospitals alike. Those hospitals bear the expense of costs they will never see payment for. This results in a direct increase in costs that are passed along to small businesses. Costs have increased so significantly, there is no more elasticity or margin for small businesses. A solution is needed now.
Every year, individuals and businesses pay more and more but get less and less for their health care dollar. Immediate action must be taken now. Please join us today!
[ Join the fight today! ]
Why small business needs affordable, sustainable healthcare:
- Small businesses are the engine of new job growth
- Small companies generate half of America's gross domestic product
- Small companies generate two-thirds of new jobs every year
- Oregon employers' family health insurance premiums increased 76% since 2000
- Oregon employers' individual health insurance premiums increased 74% since 2000
- Nearly 40% of small business owners nationwide say they will likely cut benefits due to rising costs
- The average cost of an employer-sponsored family health plan in 2008 was $12,680 - this is projected to double by 2016.
- American businesses pay over 125% the international average for health insurance, making us less competitive
Healthcare costs are being shifted to small businesses.
During these tough economic times, a healthcare system is needed that helps keep our small businesses strong -- a system where everyone has access to affordable, quality and sustainable health coverage.
Whenever a medical insurance provider raises its commercial and individual rates, it creates a direct impact on Oregon’s small businesses. Over the last eight years, most Oregon businesses have experienced annual double-digit increases. With these types of increases, the ability of small companies to provide comprehensive health coverage comes into question and many have made the tough decision to cut back benefits or drop them completely. This moves the burden to individuals and families and forces more Oregonians to the uninsured ranks.
The cycle continues as the cost of providing health care for uninsured Oregonians, usually through emergency rooms, is creating a burden on rural and urban hospitals alike. Those hospitals bear the expense of costs they will never see payment for. This results in a direct increase in costs that are passed along to small businesses. Costs have increased so significantly, there is no more elasticity or margin for small businesses. A solution is needed now.
Every year, individuals and businesses pay more and more but get less and less for their health care dollar. Immediate action must be taken now. Please join us today!