Small Business Toolbox

A library of business management info


Healthcare Corner from MyBusiness Magazine

Education and action from NFIB's healthcare team

  • Divided We Fail Hitting the Road
    06/03/2008
    As the 2008 election cycle kicks into high gear, the Divided We Fail campaign is reminding lawmakers at the national and state levels that the key to healthcare reform is a partnership focused on ending political gridlock and a commitment to change.
  • NFIB Brings Leaders Together
    06/03/2008
    As part of its "Solutions Start Here" Campaign, NFIB has convened a series of health policy forums to generate dialogue on the future of healthcare. The forums cover a variety of issues, including the effect of requiring individuals to purchase their own care, the impact of employer mandates as a part of healthcare reform, and the most pressing of all--should cost or coverage be addressed first? The forums bring together the leaders in healthcare policy reform from the academic, policy and political communities, including leaders from the presidential campaigns.
  • New Study Reinforces Cost as No. 1 Factor Affecting Small Business Healthcare
    06/03/2008
    Recently, the Kauffman-RAND Institute for Entrepreneurship Public Policy announced results from a study that examined the impact of rising healthcare costs on small business. The Kauffman-RAND Institute report, authored by Drs. Susan M. Gates and Christine Eibner, found that as healthcare costs continue to rise, many small business owners face a tough decision: provide a raise to their employees or offer health coverage.
  • Divided We Fail: A Look Back (and Forward)
    04/02/2008
    53 million represented by coalition fighting for affordable healthcare
  • Spotlight On the Healthcare Crisis
    04/02/2008
    NFIB member and child care provider testifies before U.S. House Small Business Committee
  • Policy Watch 2008
    04/02/2008
    This year, as the nation prepares for the upcoming presidential election, Congress is keeping a close watch on how the presidential races will shape the healthcare policy debate. NFIB is also watching for how legislation might affect small business. Three specific bills that could influence access and affordability of healthcare costs deserve closer examination.
  • NFIB's Principles of Health Care Reform
    02/11/2008
    NFIB put policymakers on notice recently by releasing a set of principles to provide a foundation for national health care reform that works for small-business people. NFIB President and CEO Todd Stottlemyer unveiled the principles, plus details about upcoming research at a press conference in Washington, gaining national attention for NFIB's efforts and influence in the debate.
  • Health-Premium Deduction Is Good for Small Business, Their Workers and Our Economy
    02/11/2008
    With approximately 47 million Americans lacking health insurance, it's clear our nation's health care system is facing serious challenges. One of the primary reasons for this staggering statistic is the rapidly escalating cost of health care. While these high costs, together with the widespread lack of coverage, are a burden on health care providers today, over time they threaten to further strain our already cash-strapped entitlement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Small Business Health Benefits
    02/11/2008
    Report Shows Cost a Critical Factor in Whether Small Businesses Offer Health Benefits
  • Don't Take No for an Answer
    11/30/2007
    When I first ran for Congress in early 2004, I was struck by how simple it was to put my name on the ballot. Anyone could do it: All you have to do is drive down to the secretary of state's office, fill out a few forms and pay a fee. That's it. To me, the straightforwardness of the process underscored the idea that, in America, we're governed by “the people”—ordinary folks like you and me.
  • The Small-Business Voice Just Got Louder
    11/30/2007
    NFIB has joined AARP, the Service Employees International Union and the Business Roundtable, a group of CEOs of leading American companies, as one of only four members of the Divided We Fail coalition.
  • Health Care on the Campaign Trail
    11/30/2007
    Though national elections are still months away, the race is beginning to take shape. Several states hold their primary elections just a few weeks into 2008. On the following pages, we compare the health-care platforms of the candidates who (at press time) are considered frontrunners. As expected, their views on the health-care debate vary greatly. But there are many common provisions included in several of their plans. As you follow the campaigns during the next several months, NFIB wants you to understand the basics behind the discussion.
  • Health Insurance 101
    10/30/2007
    Health-care literacy doesn't stop at the doctor's office. You also need to understand your policy. Understanding the terminology most often used by insurers increases your and your employees' knowledge, which makes all of us more educated consumers of our health-care dollars. You can learn more about the terms most often used by medical providers and insurers from the National Association of Underwriters. In the meantime, review these simple definitions of common terms:
  • In the Know
    10/30/2007
    Experts find connection between widespread lack of health-care literacy and higher costs for the U.S. health-care system
  • Don't Take No for an Answer
    10/30/2007
    As if navigating the rough waters of health-insurance coverage weren't daunting enough, employers and employees can be completely overwhelmed when a health-insurance claim is denied. Here are a few tips to consider if you face a denial of coverage.