Small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the US are facing impossible choices because of the skyrocketing costs of health insurance premiums, and, in many cases, the lack of access to coverage. Here are some of their stories.
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Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream | Fort Collins, Colorado
Small Businesswoman Wants to Provide
Health Insurance for Employees
Nora Hill
Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream
Fort Collins, Colorado
Founded in 2007
Full-time employees: 2
Small Businesswoman Wants to Provide Health Insurance for Employees
In 2007, Nora Hill decided to give entrepreneurialism a try and bought Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream in Fort Collins, CO. Waiting for loan approvals, complying with inspection codes and finding the best vendors, all while trying to turn a profit, were challenges Nora expected to face as a small business owner. But finding an affordable health insurance policy proved to be quite another matter. Nora has endured one obstacle after another in her attempt to gain coverage.
"My current situation is frustrating,” she said. “After months of trying to purchase health insurance for myself and one of my employees, I’ve still not managed to clear this hurdle."
Unfortunately, Nora’s story isn’t unique. Many small business owners find it difficult, if not impossible, to find a plan that provides decent coverage without breaking the bank. And even when they do find a plan, unexpected premium increases can force them to make the painful decision between keeping insurance and keeping their doors open. Despite this common problem, Nora is optimistic that the Affordable Care Act will finally help her get health coverage.
“I’m looking forward to the state health insurance exchanges,” Nora said. “Once they are set up, at least all of the plans will all be in one place and you can compare them.”
Many of Nora’s younger seasonal employees already have insurance thanks in part to the provision in the new law that allows young people to stay on their parents’ plans till age 26. But come 2014, when the exchanges take effect, Nora hopes health coverage will become a reality for all her employees.
