| Supporters of healthcare reform claim that it will make | | | | insurance exchange market--the Commonwealth |
| insurance more affordable, especially for individuals and | | | | Connector--has failed to sufficiently bend the cost |
| small groups. Increased consumer protection and | | | | curve. Businesses note that there are relatively few |
| newly-created exchange markets would presumably | | | | options available for small business employees at |
| allow smaller businesses to band together for cheaper | | | | near-market rates. Instead, it has focused on providing |
| rates. That would allow them to better compete with | | | | heavily subsidized plans for the previously uninsured. |
| large corporations, who are able to use their buying | | | | Therefore, the Connector is little utilized by small |
| power to decrease their health insurance costs. | | | | businesses: only around 1,500 of all small business |
| However, the results may not be so bright. Some | | | | employees in Massachusetts are insured through the |
| examples from Massachusetts, which enacted its own | | | | exchange. |
| legislation several years ago, are beginning to become | | | | Meanwhile, the lack of focus on small businesses has |
| apparent. They highlight the downside of affordable | | | | been apparent. The launching and implementation of |
| health insurance reform for small business owners. | | | | pilot programs and even posting of relevant information |
| The national law gives the federal government the | | | | on their website was delayed for several years after |
| eventual power to impose price controls on health | | | | the Massachusetts bill was passed. The programs that |
| insurance companies, if needed. In Massachusetts, | | | | have finally launched attracted few small group health |
| Governor Deval Patrick is already taking those steps. | | | | insurance providers, and correspondingly few |
| Eventually, the economy may implode as a result. | | | | businesses. Also, it has been slow in approving unique, |
| Those worries go beyond the ideological concerns | | | | attractive products that will reduce operating costs for |
| about further government encroachment on private | | | | smaller firms. |
| enterprise. | | | | Hopefully, the Obama administration will learn from |
| What is the problem with that? The issue is that many | | | | these mistakes. Efficiency in providing options for small |
| small business owners fear that the law does not do | | | | business owners seeking health insurance is essential |
| enough to control costs at the same time. The state's | | | | in order for healthcare reform to be a success. |