On Wednesday, March 15th NFIB State Director Christopher Carlozzi testified before the Health Policy Commission and Joint Committee on Health Care Financing at the annual cost trend hearing. What happens here will set the proposed rate of growth for health spending in Massachusetts. 

In his comments, Carlozzi recommended setting an aggressive benchmark lower than the proposed 3.6% growth target, because small business premiums traditionally far exceed the benchmark. This year, NFIB surveyed Massachusetts members asking whether their health premiums increased, decreased, or remained the same and response was similar to past years. Members reported, on-average, premium increases of 11.8%. 

Small business health insurance costs continue to rise, even as employers are forced into high deductible plans and shift more of the expense to workers. In a time when employers are desperately seeking workers, they require the ability to offer affordable, quality health benefits for their employees. NFIB will continue to work on lowering health costs for small businesses, who unfairly face double-digit annual premium increases.

You can listen to State Director Christopher Carlozzi on Bloomberg Radio here.