Virginia Small Business Owners Eager for Healthcare Reform

Sausalito, CA, Sept. 22, 2009: Recent research shows the majority of Virginia small businesses are struggling with the high costs of healthcare, and believe healthcare reform is necessary and important in getting the economy back on track.

A statewide survey of 200 randomly selected small businesses found that affordability is the primary obstacle in obtaining health insurance. Virginia was one of 15 states polled over the summer by Small Business Majority, a leading national small business advocacy organization focused on healthcare reform.

Ninety-two percent of Virginia small business owners not offering health insurance say they can't afford to. Of those who do provide insurance, 76 percent are struggling to pay for it.

Small business people are in an untenable position when it comes to healthcare. Costs are astronomical and rising every year, yet being uninsured can be just as burdensome financially if illness strikes, said John Arensmeyer, founder and chief executive officer of Small Business Majority. Small businesses are desperate for reform. The cost of doing nothing is just too high.

The survey found that 80 percent of the state's small business owners believe that people should be able to buy health insurance without regard to any past health problems. In addition, 76 percent support the creation of a health insurance exchange from which small businesses could choose coverage from competing health plans.

Our employees are like family, so we make sure they have important benefits such as healthcare. But over the last four years our premiums have gone up 80 percent, and we can't afford that, said Tammy Rostov, owner of Rostov̢'s Coffee & Tea in Richmond. Our healthcare system is failing small businesses and it's threatening our bottom lines. We need healthcare reform and we need it fast.

Additional findings in the report include:

• 67% of small business owners believe that to make healthcare more affordable, it's important to share the responsibility among individuals, employers, insurance companies, providers and government.
• 66% say healthcare reform is important for getting the economy back on track.
• 59% say their company has a responsibility to provide health coverage for its employees.