Statement on Bill Merging: Health Reform Bills Harm Small Business
Monday, January 11, 2010
Like a freight train without brakes, Congress is determined to pass health reform, even at the expense of our nation’s job creators: small business. As the Senate and House come together at this critical time to iron out the differences between their two healthcare bills, we remind them of the harm that will be done to small businesses, especially if certain provisions aren’t stricken from final legislation.
NFIB Disappointed in Senate Health Reform Vote
Thursday, December 24, 2009
We’re disappointed that the Senate has proceeded on a course that, sadly, has left the constituency most in need of meaningful reform with little to look forward to. NFIB continues to strongly oppose H.R. 3590 because it fails to adequately lower insurance costs and increases the cost of doing business.
House Dems Discuss Overhaul Priorities
Thursday, January 07, 2010
House Democratic leaders briefed their Caucus today on healthcare overhaul negotiations with the Senate, while key senators head to the White House later today for their first meeting with President Obama since the holiday break.
Story courtesy:
National Journal
Small-biz folks react to ObamaCare
Thursday, January 07, 2010
The Greater Wilmington Business Journal has the story of local employers and medical providers reacting to the prospect of Congress passing a final ObamaCare bill this month. Some small-business execs are particularly worried:
Story courtesy:
Squall Lines
Hospitals Take On Health Care Reform
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Congress is still on vacation, but the wrangling over healthcare reform isn't taking any time off. With the House and Senate trying to align two different bills, everybody at the bargaining table is trying to figure out what reform could mean...
Healthcare reform must help small business
Monday, December 21, 2009
Recent newspaper columns claiming that the current healthcare bill being considered in the Senate will help small business is long on rhetoric, but short on facts.
Strength in Numbers
Monday, October 26, 2009
Small businesses want the opportunity to band together to buy health care insurance more cheaply. And they’re trying to get that message through as part of the health care reform debate.
Story courtesy:
Portfolio.com
In Health Bill for Everyone, Provisions for a Few
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Early versions of the Senate’s far-reaching health care bill said that small businesses with fewer than 50 workers would not be penalized if they failed to provide insurance. That was before labor unions in the construction industry went to work and persuaded Senate leaders to insert five paragraphs.
Whole Foods CEO: From Health Care to Climate Change
Monday, January 04, 2010
John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market, really made a name for himself when his op-ed, “The Whole Foods Alternative to ObamaCare“, ran in the Wall Street Journal last summer. In the latest issue of the New Yorker, Nick Paumgarten profiles Mackey and his ideas of “conscious capitalism.”
6 problems with Senate Health Care Bill
Thursday, January 07, 2010
…The Senate passed a massive healthcare reform bill Dec. 24 that will determine how your business will grow, or not grow, for years to come. We vigorously opposed the bill for three reasons. First, it doesn’t make health insurance more accessible or affordable for small business. Second, with its new taxes, fees and government regulation, it increases the overall costs of doing business for small businesses. Third, rather than leveling the playing field for all employers, the Senate bill lays those new costs and burdens almost entirely at the feet of small, rather than big, business.
Fact-Checking Ben Nelson
Monday, January 04, 2010
Sen. Ben Nelson is defending his vote to pass the Senate’s health-care legislation in a new television ad in his home state of Nebraska, but the points he makes show he either needs to force Congress to change the legislation to match his claims or rethink his support for final passage.
Prepare now for health care reform
Friday, November 27, 2009
Health care reform cleared a major hurdle in the Senate Nov. 21, but this long legislative battle may not end until next year.
Many small businesses not on board with health care bill
Sunday, November 29, 2009
For years, small businesses have sought a solution to rising health care costs. Now with the Senate ready to consider a reform bill that attacks the problem and expands insurance coverage, many small firms haven't signed on to the answer.
Senate Leaders May Sweeten Health-Tax Credits
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Sens. Mary Landrieu (D., La.) and Olympia Snowe (R., Me.)--both swing votes in the Senate--have conditioned their support for the package on changes to the small-business tax credit.
Senators right on health care
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
As a small business owner, I truly want health care reform, but I want health care reform that is going to encourage competition and give me a choice of affordable health care plans. The Senate bill, like the awful health care legislation that passed the House of Representatives earlier, would not do that. The National Federation of Independent Business says the Senate bill fails small business by including new taxes, new mandates and new entitlement programs.
What To Expect In First 6 Months Of Overhaul
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
As the Senate inches closer to passing its health overhaul bill, some are pointing out that many changes, including a requirement that most Americans get insurance, won't kick in until 2014. But a handful of new rules and benefits kick in much earlier -- six months after enactment.
What We Learned From Health Reform
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Here are five things we have learned from the health reform debate, from making the most of a crisis to moving ahead when certain problems can't be fixed.
Story courtesy:
Bizjournals
A Matter of Principle
Thursday, December 24, 2009
While 60 senators now have voted to pass a gigantic government-directed overhaul of our health sector, the battles back home are just beginning.
Small biz anxious about health reform
Friday, December 25, 2009
Now that the Senate has approved its health care reform bill, the real work begins on compromise legislation with the House. Meanwhile, small-business owners are anxiously waiting to see how they'll be affected. Mitchell Hartman reports.
Another Choice for Wyden (and Bayh)?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
If negotiations over health care reform get to conference between the House and Senate--no jinxing here--controversial issues like abortion and funding are going to get the most attention. And, precisely because the issues evoke such strong feelings, coming to agreement on them will be relatively difficult. But there are myriad issues more amenable to compromise because they are lower profile. And, in some cases, they have the potential to improve the bill significantly.
Story courtesy:
The New Republic
K Street’s healthcare winners and losers
Friday, December 25, 2009
The Senate healthcare reform bill looks to be a veritable mixed bag for health insurers, medical providers, employers, organized labor and practically every private-sector player in the market.
Freelancers Vs. ObamaCare
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sara Horowitz won a MacArthur Foundation "genius" award for her work creating the Freelancers Union, a loose affiliation of 130,000 creative workers who pool together to buy health insurance and retirement funds. She has the kind of liberal credentials that got her invited to the White House in June for the launch of its new office of Social Innovation.
Senate advances health care reform bill
Monday, December 21, 2009
Senate Democrats voted early Monday morning to move ahead with sweeping health reform legislation, setting the stage for a final vote on the matter Christmas Eve.
Gov. says health care bill hurts NY
Monday, December 21, 2009
New York Governor David Paterson said a U.S. Senate health care reform agreement announced over the weekend is unfair to New York.
Don't Ignore the “Choice” Option
Friday, December 18, 2009
For a brief, bright political moment, the Senate was home to a true bipartisan plan to create free-market-based universal health coverage, rather than the expansion of government participation nearing completion by the Democrats or the vaporous do-little legislation counter-offered by Republicans.
Story courtesy:
The Sun News
Health care: Dose of uncertainty
Thursday, November 19, 2009
As the stormy debate over health care reform shifts to the Senate, small-business owners in San Antonio remain uneasy.
Small businesses paring back health insurance plans to counter escalating premium costs
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Across the country, businesses already strapped by the economy to turn a profit are sacrificing or scaling back employee health insurance plans because of their escalating costs. The crunch has particularly socked smaller employers, who have become a centerpiece in the debate over how to overhaul the nation's health care system.
In recent weeks, small business owners have pleaded their case to the White House and Congress. Top Democrats in both the House and Senate have announced probes into how health insurers price their policies for small businesses. And lawmakers have proposed a variety of insurance rating changes, mandates and tax breaks to try to control costs.
Story courtesy:
The Examiner
NFIB Reminds Legislators: Not the Reform Small Businesses Need
Monday, December 21, 2009
“Legislation voted on in the wee hours of the morning rarely signals the kind of deliberative, inclusive legislative process you would expect, especially for an issue that affects so many, so significantly. But, the Senate has proceeded on its course and, sadly, the constituency most in need of meaningful reform is left with little to look forward to. NFIB remains strongly opposed to H.R. 3590 because it does not adequately lower insurance costs and increases the cost of doing business.
Letter sent to Capitol Hill announcing NFIB's intention to Key Vote a "No" Vote on H.R. 3590
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act fails small business and the American economy for three reasons. First, it does not make health insurance more accessible or affordable for small business. Second, with its new taxes, fees and government regulation, it increases the overall costs of doing business for small businesses. Third, rather than leveling the playing field across the employer community, H.R. 3590 further exacerbates the inequality that exists between small and big business. The continued protection and shelter that is provided to large business through H.R. 3590 jeopardizes the overall heart of the American economy and endangers the growth and existence of the sector proven most likely to bring America out of troubled economic times – small business.
Senate takes up charge of health care reform
Monday, November 16, 2009
Last week, Congress passed a reform bill that provided a “public option” clause that would have included a business as small as Kiddo Candles. Krygsman spoke enthusiastically about the option, and remains optimistic but her response never wanes: “Anything’s possible. Anything’s possible.” Her tone emphasizes both a positive and negative expectation of what the Senate may do.
Health bill brings both worry, hope to business community
Friday, November 13, 2009
Local business leaders and health care officials say they’re hearing “trepidation and concern” from the business community on the heels of Saturday’s approval of historic health care legislation by the U.S. House of Representatives.
Why Small Business Groups Oppose the Health Bills
Friday, November 13, 2009
When it comes to finding quality, affordable health insurance, few have it worse than small-business owners and their workers shopping for coverage on the open market. They are charged the most per person, have the least amount of choice and, as a result, are some of the most likely to be uninsured.
Employers Weigh in on Health Care Bill
Monday, November 09, 2009
Small business advocates are complaining that the House's health care bill would impose new insurance obligations on employers while doing little to contain costs. Joel Rose explores these and other employer concerns.
Small Biz Group Wary of House Health Bill
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The health care reform bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week has caused members of one small business group to circle their wagons and call out for help.
Biz Gives House Health Bill Thumbs Down
Sunday, November 08, 2009
The $1 trillion House health reform bill that passed over the weekend is being roundly booed by business groups that say it won't lower medical costs and creates an unneeded new government insurance program.
Story courtesy:
Bizjournals
NFIB sends letter to Capital Hill on Wyden-Collins amendment.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
For small business, the goal of healthcare reform is to lower costs, increase choices and provide real competition for private insurance. The Wyden-Collins amendment achieves what we know are clear bipartisan goals in healthcare reform – expanding access to coverage, increasing consumer choice and improving portability.
NFIB: Cost of health care plan " too great for too many"
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The National Federation of Independent Businesses has come out swinging against President Obama's now-fragile health care plan.
The Associated Press reports the powerful business organization had some harsh words about the plan, which would instigate greater government involvement in health care.
“Despite the inclusion of insurance market reforms in the small-group and individual marketplaces, the savings that may materialize are too small for too few and the increases in premium costs are too great for too many,” NFIB vice president Susan Eckerly said in a letter to Senate leaders yesterday.
Story courtesy:
Seattle Herald
Move Afoot to Reward Consumer Thrift
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The health-care bills moving through Congress contain little to reward consumers for lowering their health costs, an omission prompting some lawmakers to press for more such incentives.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D., Ore.) is proposing amendments to the Senate bill that would give people who are eligible for coverage through their employer the option of buying cheaper coverage from the new insurance exchanges -- and pocketing the difference.
NFIB Statement: Senate Bill Fails Small Business
Thursday, December 17, 2009
“Small business can’t support a proposal that does not address their No. 1 problem: the unsustainable cost of healthcare. With unemployment at a 26-year high and small business owners struggling to simply keep their doors open, this kind of reform is not what we need to encourage small businesses to thrive.
NFIB Statement: Small Business Amendments to H.R. 3590
Thursday, December 17, 2009
“We appreciate the efforts of these Senators to address some of the deep concerns small business has about the current Senate bill. It’s essential that overall healthcare reform helps to lower costs for small businesses and their employees. We believe these amendments will begin to address the continued high cost of healthcare for small businesses and their employees.”
Solutions For Healthcare Costs
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Lawmakers and insurance companies have left small business owners and employees stranded in markets where healthcare costs are high and shopping for coverage is burdensome. But there’s a possible solution–health insurance exchanges.
Click on the story to link to an informative video and learn how health insurance exchanges empower consumers through competition and comparative shopping.
Small Business Furious Over House Healthcare Vote
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Small business owners are outraged that their elected representatives voted to pass a healthcare bill that fails to lower costs, increase choice and provide real competition for America’s small businesses. Instead, this bill will actually make things worse, not better.
Thirty-Nine House Democrats Vote No on NFIB Key Vote Against H.R. 3962
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
NFIB greatly appreciates the following members of the Democratic caucus who voted ‘no’ on H.R. 3962. With this ‘no’ vote, they chose to stand with the small business community and vote against a bill that includes employer mandates, a harmful payroll tax, new onerous reporting requirements and other new tax burdens.
The Worst Bill Ever
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Epic new spending and taxes, pricier insurance, rationed care, dishonest accounting: The Pelosi health bill has it all.
Small Business Crunches Numbers
Monday, November 09, 2009
Small business has fought the health-care bill as too costly. That made Saturday's vote bitter to many of the nation's roughly 30 million such entrepreneurs, if welcome to some.
'Status Quo Is Unacceptable' For NFIB
Thursday, September 17, 2009
This association speaks for the interests of small and independent business owners. The NFIB has four top goals for health care reform legislation: lowering costs while increasing access, reforming the individual and small group insurance markets, providing greater choice for insurance options and making insurance plans portable.
Story courtesy:
National Journal
Meet the Key Contacts
Friday, August 28, 2009
From Maine to Tennessee, Arkansas to California, we have Key Contacts working in all areas of the country advocating for the rights of small business. Key Contacts represent some of our most active members.
Story courtesy:
Roll Call
Top 10 Reasons the House’s Healthcare Bill is the Wrong Approach for Small Business
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
As the nation’s leading small business association, NFIB opposes the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200) because it threatens the viability of our nation’s job creators, fails to address access for all small businesses, limits and destroys choice and competition for private insurance, and fails to address the core challenge facing small business – cost.
Exchanges May Play Key Role In An Overhauled Health System
Friday, July 10, 2009
When Michael Kovner decided to buy health insurance earlier this year, he logged onto his computer, entered his age and zip code on a special Web site and studied the nearly 20 different policies that popped up.
Within a half-hour, Kovner, a 53-year-old technology consultant, picked a mid-priced one and clicked “enroll.” Back came an immediate e-mail confirmation: “Congrats, you’re in.”
Health care reform: What small business wants
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Insurance costs are killing small firms -- but many entrepreneurs are ideologically opposed to government-backed health coverage. See what one of our members, Jim Henderson, has to say.
Story courtesy:
CNN Money
What does health care reform mean to me?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
With the Democratic-controlled Congress working on a potentially sweeping health care overhaul, questions abound for consumers, including whether they might have to change their insurance or buy coverage if they don’t have it.
NFIB Statement: Health Reform Must Help, Not Harm Small Businesses
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Susan Eckerly, senior vice president of federal public policy for the National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s leading small business association, released the following statement in response to the draft healthcare plan from the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
Key Players: Health Care Reform
Monday, June 08, 2009
As the Obama administration's health care reform effort begins to pick up speed, a number of key voices are emerging in the legislative debate over the nation's health policy. Here's a look at some of the critical players.
Healthcare Reform Simulation Summary
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A new NFIB-sponsored study of health insurance markets yields striking results and gives researchers a valuable new analytical tool. In one of the first-ever applications of experimental economics to healthcare policy, Stephen Rassenti and Carl Johnston, with NFIB’s help, tested reform proposals in a laboratory. Rassenti and Johnson are protégés of Nobel laureate Vernon Smith, who calls the study “path-breaking.”
Winners and Losers Identified in Healthcare Reform Simulation
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The National Federation of Independent Business released breakthrough research today that tested various legislative approaches for healthcare reform and measured how each approach would affect different constituencies.