What it means: NFIB member Marcie Strouse testified in a hearing about how Congress can address the health insurance affordability for small business owners.

Our take: Small businesses nationwide struggle to provide affordable health insurance benefits for their employees which threatens their competitiveness. Small businesses play a critical role in promoting healthier communities.

Take Action: Tell Congress to increase health care choices and lower costs for small businesses.

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Providing health care benefits to employees remains a top priority for small business owners. NFIB member Marcie Strouse, owner of Capitol Benefits Group in Des Moines, Iowa, testified before the U.S. House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee in a hearing about modernizing American health care.

Strouse spoke on how Congress can address the health insurance affordability crisis in the small group market to help strengthen the role small businesses play in building a healthier America.

“Small companies are being priced out; they pay nearly twice as much for health care as large companies,” Strouse said. “In my home county, family premiums in the small group market have increased 85% in eight years. Across the country, small business participation in the small group market has dropped nearly 50% since 2014. Today, only 30% of small firms provide health benefits, down from almost 50% in 2000.”

Strouse’s full testimony is available to learn more. Take Action: Tell Congress to increase health care choices and lower costs for small businesses.