While AON Consulting’s recent survey shows employer health insurance premiums are increasing at a lower rate than in the previous six years (Health care costs seen rising 10 percent in 2009, Aug. 11), the fact remains that the cost of coverage is still increasing dramatically from year to year. A 10 percent increase is a huge jump.

No one would be pleased to learn that his gasoline, or food, or mortgage was increasing by 10 percent per year. And as your article points out, employees could face even greater increases in the future, especially as cost-reduction efforts “bottom out,” as the article suggests may be happening.

Some in the industry might be pleased to see “just” a 10 percent increase, but for small businesses, these rate increases are simply unsustainable. Health care costs for small firms have soared 129 percent over the last eight years, and small business employees pay an average of 18 percent more in health insurance premiums for the same benefits that larger firms receive. And now, in a slowing economy, more and more small businesses are faced with the challenge of finding, affording and keeping health insurance.

Small business has shouldered a disproportionate burden of rising health care costs for more than two decades, and it’s time lawmakers address the health care affordability needs of these men and women. The National Federation of Independent Business is committed to working with our nation’s leaders to find real solutions that work for all Americans, and especially for small business, which represents the majority of America’s uninsured population. When health care is fixed for small business, it’s fixed for America.

− Robert F. Graboyes, MSHA, PhD, Senior health care advisor, National Federation of Independent Business

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