By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-844397.mp3
Albany, NY – A group of Small Business Owners gathered in Albany to support the choice of a public
health insurance plan. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
Small business owners from the Albany area want real health reform along with the option of a public health insurance plan, and they say they are willing to a system of shared responsibility, in line with the following principles:
Affordable Costs. It's not right that small businesses pay more for less in health care. We need affordable, predictable costs we can plan and budget for. And we need to level the playing field so small businesses can compete with large corporations that currently can offer better benefits for less.
Guaranteed Coverage. All people living in the United States should have good health coverage, whether you run a small business or a Fortune 500 company. You shouldn't have to give up your health care to start a new business or change jobs.
Shared Commitment. We can make health care work if everyone pitches in. As small business owners, we're willing to contribute, but we can't go it alone. It's got to be a commitment shared with government and employees.
Real Choices. Everyone should have a choice between private and public health insurance plans. If you like what you've got, you should have the choice to keep it. For small businesses that don't have real choices now, offer the choice of a public health insurance plan. This would give us some leverage, encourage competition among insurers to drive down costs, and provide a guaranteed backup.
The report is available for viewing here.