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We're confronting job-killing big insurance
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Insurance companies get rich while small businesses, the engines of our economy, struggle to stay afloat and provide for their employees. And big insurance will stop at nothing to kill reform.
Help us fight them. Sign the petition we're delivering at the insurance industry's national conference in Chicago:
Petition Text:
Health insurance reform is about more than profits and deficits. It's about real people who need help. I demand the CEOs of the three largest insurance companies sit down with the people they've hurt, stop dropping our coverage, stop denying us care, and stop opposing real reform in Congress that gives us the choice of a public insurance plan.
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Join us in Chicago!
Do you live in Chicago or the midwest? If so, join us on November 17th as we take on big insurance. Transportation is available! Click here for details.
Meet the small business owners coming with us to confront the insurance companies:
DAVID BORRIS and his wife started a small, gourmet carryout food store in Illinois that grew into a catering business, now employing 23 full time staff. Already only able to cover 12 of his 23 employees, he is facing a 46% hike in his premium for next year that may force him to make layoffs or drop group coverage altogether.
KAY FORBES-SMITH has owned and run an international corporate communications and training firm for 20 years in Indiana. She currently offers group health insurance to her employees, paying half the premiums, but constantly faces increasing costs, that have forced some employees to opt out of the plan. The costs of health care hurt Kay’s bottom line and her business’ ability to competitively attract talented employees.
ALTON JOHNSON, car enthusiast from Arkansas, opened an auto body shop 14 years ago. He has been able to provide health insurance to his 8 employees for the last six years. But, high premiums that keep rising have eaten into his into his profit margin. Unlike other businesses, he still provides insurance, but he’s not sure how much longer he can do it without making other cuts.
RICK POORE has run his Nebraska screen print and embroidery business for 15 years, doing business nationwide. He’s not able to provide insurance to all 33 of his employees— but still pays over $61,000 in insurance costs between a group plan for half his full time employees and subsidizing individual plans. The costs prevent him from investing in the growth of his business to remain competitive in his market.
MECHEALL WILLIAMS has managed restaurant franchises in Louisiana for 20 years as the owner of Subchaser Inc. He can’t keep his business afloat and afford health insurance for his more than 20 employees. The lack of coverage cost him a valued employee; she returned with a pay increase, but serious illness then sent her driving over an hour to a doctor.
JAN WOOD and her husband own a martial arts business in Illinois, with 2 part-time employees and other part-time instructors. A family member’s pre-existing condition has made coverage unaffordable, thus forcing them to pay almost $24,000 out-of-pocket before their benefits. Their inability to offer coverage has prevented them from hiring full time sales employees and growing their business.
RESHONDA YOUNG works for the family business her father Levorn started 20 years ago in Iowa. Alpha Express includes transportation, delivery, and industrial maintenance and cleaning. She has struggled to find quality, affordable health insurance to cover employees, including her brother who recently relocated his family and needs health coverage to take a role in the business.
