For nearly forty years, NFIB members have said the cost of health insurance coverage is one of the top challenges for running a small business. But politicians keep trying to make healthcare even more expensive with new taxes and more mandates.

Worried about higher healthcare costs? CLICK HERE to take action now!

Proposals in the New Hampshire General Court would raise taxes on small business health insurance and mandate coverage for more services.

One proposal (SB 128) would raise taxes on employer-based health insurance to pay for juvenile mental health services. The proposed assessment applies to both fully insured and self-funded health plans.

The bill is still under consideration despite the New Hampshire Insurance Department warning the tax will: “exert upward pressure on premiums and increase costs for self-funded plans, including the state employee health plan and municipal pooled risk management programs… a significant rise in health insurance premiums could also cause consumers to purchase cheaper, less benefit rich plans or forgo the purchase of health insurance altogether.” (emphasis added)

Not only will this increase the cost of employer-sponsored health coverage, but the added costs will also negatively affect local property taxpayers and the state budget.

The tax is intended to increase payments to underfunded providers of youth behavioral and mental health services. While a laudable goal, state lawmakers should not attempt to fix one problem by making another worse. If it’s a priority, they should increase reimbursements to these providers within existing state funds.

Additionally, the General Court is debating many insurance mandate proposals. Mandating that health plans cover specific services, treatment, or devices increases the cost of health insurance for everyone, regardless of whether you or your employees want or need them.

One proposed mandate (SB 246) would require that anyone – man, woman, child, adult, young, middle-aged, or elderly – covered under employer-sponsored health insurance pay for maternal mental health screening coverage.

State and federal coverage mandates take away flexibility for employers and workers to design and choose affordable health plans that fit their needs.

Whether it’s a healthcare tax or healthcare mandate, politicians want YOU to PAY MORE for something that’s already very expensive.

Concerned about the cost of health insurance? CLICK HERE to take action now!