Focus Now on Senate Debate as Health Care Reform is a Major Concern for Small Business Owners

Today is day the Senate may begin intense debate on massive health care reform measure passed by the House of Representatives.  The lower chamber passed the bill 220 to 215 with Democrats pushing the bill through despite Republican opposition. The lower chamber’s plan creates a huge new government health system to cover the uninsured and operate with private insurance companies. Supporters say the public option will cover the uninsured and help wrestle control of the U.S. health care system from private and for-profit providers. Critics worry about 'socialized medicine', mandated coverage for either private insurance or government plans and the new public option using taxpayers’ money to pay for abortions and to cover illegal immigrants. There are also questions about the new health system pushed by the Obama Administration resulting in Medicare cuts and concerns about why the drug industry is backing the plan. Many small business owners fear the new health care plan will be too expensive and may force them to reduce their workforce or close their doors. 

One of these business owners concerned about the massive health care reform package is Glenn Frank, owner of Fort Collins Heating and Air Conditioning Company in Fort Collins, Colorado. Frank is following the debate in Washington, DC very closely as lawmakers try and find a solution to the health care dilemma through reform.

Lawmakers are also considering a separate measure to guarantee paid sick leave to workers if their employer asks them to stay home with swine flu or a similar contagious illness.  House Education and Labor Committee chairman George Miller says his measure would protect about 50 million workers with no paid sick leave.  U-S Senator Chris Dodd is sponsoring a similar measure in the upper chamber. 

Many of those employees work in low-wage jobs in food service and hospitality, where they could make others sick. The lawmakers contend workers shouldn't have to choose between their paychecks and the health of co-workers or customers. The bill would cover employees in businesses with 15 or more workers. Businesses that already offer at least five days paid sick leave would be exempt.

National Medical Director for Aetna- Dr. Wendy Richards Offers Resources & Tips for Avenues to Better Health

In today’s economy it is more important than ever for entrepreneurs, the self-employed and small business owners to make smart health benefits choices. However, a recent survey from Plan for Your Health, a health benefits public education program from Aetna and the Financial Planning Association, found that Americans may be missing opportunities to take advantage of their options and even save money! In fact, the recent research less than twenty percent of insured adults consider themselves very knowledgeable about their health insurance plan. However, the choices they make about their plan can have a big impact on their finances throughout the year, making smart choices crucial in an economy with job cuts and rising health care costs.

Dr. Wendy Richards, a family physician and National Medical Director for Aetna, is on SBTV.com to explain why it is crucial for consumers to review and understand all of their options and make well-informed decisions. Dr. Richards also offers consumers resources they need to do so.