05/12/2008
A study recently conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed rising unemployment numbers are taking a toll on Americans' healthcare coverage, as well as state-funded health programs like Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program. KFF's survey showing healthcare is only getting worse underscores NFIB's call for comprehensive healthcare reform.
The analysis found that for each percentage point increase in the national unemployment rate, the number of uninsured Americans—already at 47 million—would increase by 1.1 million and enrollment in Medicaid and SCHIP would grow by one million.
A recent KFF poll shows Americans list healthcare as one of their top three economic problems, with almost 40 percent revealing their medical bills have caused them serious financial trouble. Survey respondents also reported their financial struggles due to out of control healthcare costs have affected their financial well-being and their family's healthcare.
In a separate set of questions, 28 percent reported serious problems paying for their healthcare and health insurance as a result of recent economic changes. And as the economic downturn continues, the number of uninsured is expected to increase—and NFIB knows small business won't be spared. Though the recently passed economic stimulus package will bring some relief to small business owners, it won't solve their No. 1 issue: healthcare. Insurance premiums have jumped 129 percent in the last eight years and continue to rise, only adding to the difficulty small business owners face in providing access to affordable healthcare for their employees.
NFIB knows that small business needs comprehensive healthcare reform that will address its unique needs. Earlier this year, NFIB launched Solutions Start Here, an aggressive national campaign designed to urge lawmakers to create meaningful healthcare reform for small business. NFIB knows that when healthcare is fixed for small business—the country's No. 1 job creator—it's fixed for America, and we will continue to work with Congress to see that an acceptable solution is reached.
