Small Business Owners - How are you handling Healthcare Benefits?

Self-employed.. No employees.. Still can't afford insurance.. Think Obama care is illegal.. The only way to legally set up such a thing is to do it like social security... Not that SS worked but it was set up right.. But since when did law makers follow the law to get what they wanted?? It's impossible for a small fish to grow into anything but a bigger small fish now-a-days.. Sad but true..

It really sucks since we WANT to provide health insurance for our employees. Oregon seems to be making it impossible!

I am hoping to hear from others around the country to see if they are experiencing the same thing.

I'm still not sure how ppl get the previous quotes they're referring too to show up in blue :-( I still can't believe it's being forced on us! It's unconstitutional! I believe it falls under liberty for the pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness... Although I feel like I said pursuit one too any times!

Self employed Oregonian here with no employees.

On the fence myself on whether I should apply. I don't make much, so at least this year I would be a horrible drain on the system. But it feels like a trap, and I hate to be involved with it anyway.

Maryland's health care exchange is under investigation for fraud and abuse.

It's a mess...I called our insurance carrier directly and they couldn't even tell me what plan to apply for. Things change every week.

Same here, the online portal for Oregon does not work.

I'd love to know how many are actually paying premiums

Our small company pays 100% of the employee premium and we still can't get signed on to a plan. It's making me crazy!

Yes I mean those who are drawing the benefits are they actually going to pay

I think the largest group to sign on will be those older folks that are not eligible for Medicare yet. They need the coverage but many do not have the income to pay standard rates. The young have the best rates but I don't see them flocking to health care - they have the young and healthy idea that they don't need coverage. Not dissing either end of the age spectrum - just my opinion.

I think a mod should pin this for daylight discussion tomorrow. I'd like to hear from business owners around the country and see what they are up against.

Please reply if you are a small business. I am currently setting up two small businesses. Both around 12 employees. Trying to set up something that helps employees but this market is rediculous. Considering a set stipend every month that they can use toward the payment of the health care plan of their choice. Especially if premiums are going to "triple next year" as I recently read. At least an employer could control the bottom line somewhat. Margins so narrow at startup every penny will count to keep people employed. Would love to hear your creative solutions. Thx in advance.

Sold the business and walked away. Quick what is an 9 letter word for useless eaters ? Employee

I agree. It would be nice to hear from other small businesses around the country. This is important. I'd like to think most small business owners care about the employees and it would be nice to hear how they are treating this issue.

The first time we hear an employee cough or sneeze, we fire them on trumped-up sexual harassment charges.

We're saving big bank on healthcare costs.

Have not been able to afford it for 51 years.

That really sux!!!