The House Government Operations Committee took testimony on House Bills 6116-6119. This package is focused on oversight of non-profit hospital systems’ status and ensuring that their prices are in line with actual costs, while ensuring the community still receives the care it needs.

“Various studies show that the consolidation of hospitals and healthcare systems is a growing problem that has led to cost increases varying anywhere from 6% to 65%. NFIB appreciates the efforts of Speaker Hall and House Republicans for their leadership on ensuring that those hospitals that are receiving significant tax breaks due to their non-profit status are not keeping their prices in line with costs. While not a panacea, it is one step toward curbing the crippling cost of healthcare for small businesses,” said Amanda Fisher, NFIB Michigan State Director.

For over 40 years, NFIB has regularly surveyed its members about the biggest problems facing small businesses. The “Cost of Health Insurance” has been the number one small business problem since 1986.

This year alone, small businesses are facing double-digit increases in healthcare costs. These increases, coupled with other cost pressures, are forcing small businesses to make difficult decisions for themselves and their employees. Some can no longer afford to offer these benefits, and others are scaling back offerings or requiring greater cost-sharing from employees. Fewer and fewer small businesses each year have been able to offer healthcare benefits to their employees, which makes hiring quality staff even harder.