NFIB: Governor signs legislation to boost health insurance costs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bill G. Smith at (608) 255-6083

MADISON — Bill G. Smith, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, Wisconsin’s leading small business association, released the following statement in reaction to the governor’s signing of Senate Bill 362, which requires that group health insurance policies cover mental health, alcoholism and other drug abuse treatment services at the same level as other types of treatment.

“While the sponsors of this legislation believe they’re expanding coverage and access for policy holders, the opposite is true. A mere 1 percent increase in the cost of a health insurance plan translates into millions of dollars in additional premium costs for Wisconsin’s small business owners and their workers.

“The reality of premium increases and little or no profit margins, coupled with a struggling and uncertain economy, has caused many small business owners to cut back on benefits or even cancel their group insurance plans.

“Rather than approve legislation that will increase health costs, government should provide small business owners with the freedom to provide a benefits package that’s both affordable and appropriate to the needs of their workforce.”

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NFIB is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C. and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends its views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at http://www.NFIB.com/newsroom.