Originally Posted by Elphaba

Excellent topic, Pan, and one that strikes very close to home for me. My little business currently insures five individuals (no dependents) and the cost per month is remarkably close the figure cited in your article.

The service industry is the first to be hit in an economic down turn and the last to recover so this little business is teetering on the brink. We've raised prices to the extent that we think the market will bear, and cut costs that are within our control. We have refused to put our medical insurance for employees on the table, but with premiums increasing dramatically every year I don't know if we can justify it for much longer.

It will be a difficult decision if we are forced to make it, and it will likely cost us the quality people we hope to employ. Damned if you do, and damned if you don't.