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Taking the Pulse of Main Street
Small Businesses, Health Insurance, and Priorities for Reform
 

Small business owners are considered a key voice in the public dialogue over health care reform. But where do small business owners stand on the issue? Taking the Pulse of Main Street reports results from a survey of 1,200 small business owners’ experiences with health insurance and perspectives on different reform proposals. The results show small business owners want real health reform, are willing to contribute, and want a quality public insurance option.

See state charts for the some of the Maine survey results here:

» Maine small business owners’ priorities in health insurance
» Maine small business owners’ support for different approaches to health care reform
» Maine small employers’ willingness to contribute for quality health coverage

With over 300 small businesses joining us in just the last three months of 2008, The Maine Small Business Coalition is the fastest growing coalition of small business owners in Maine. We represent over 1,500 small business owners and entrepreneurs who provide the backbone to Maine’s economy.

The number one concern for our members right now is the staggering cost of health coverage. Nearly two-thirds of small business owners we’ve surveyed across Maine believe there ought to be a public health insurance plan available. A solid 75 percent believe there ought to be more public oversight of the insurance and health care provider industries.

We continue to bring on new small businesses every week, and we will make sure that the politicians in Augusta and in Washington have the interests of local businesses across Maine in mind when they tackle health care reform.

 

Here’s what we think:

Small businesses are the backbone of Maine’s economy, and the heart of communities across our state. Small businesses create jobs, deliver essential goods and services, and build local assets.

Unfortunately, our health care system is failing small businesses across Maine. High costs and unreliable coverage are putting the health of our families and employees at risk, and endangering the viability of businesses across the state. As small business owners, we believe this system is fundamentally broken. It’s time to take action to fix it – for us, our families, our employees, and the communities we serve.

Therefore, we call upon our legislators to build a health care system that:

• Covers what we need, when we need it. No one should go without healthcare coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Also, we shouldn’t be denied coverage when we get sick or change jobs.
   
• Shares responsibility fairly. We need affordable and predictable healthcare costs. Everyone should contribute based on their ability to pay.
   
• Opens the door to everyone. Everyone should have good health coverage, whether you are with a small business or a Fortune 500 company.
   
• Offers real choice. Those who cannot find affordable coverage in the private market, including many small businesses, should have access to a quality public health insurance option.
   
• Prioritizes health, not insurance industry profits. The system must focus on prevention and wellness, including cost controls and incentives for improved health.
   
• Answers to all of us. The health care system should be transparent and accountable to the people it serves – ALL OF US!!