The number of people who get employee benefits from their workplace has dipped rather significantly over the past decade, a new report reveals.
According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in 2000, approximately 70 percent of workers in the U.S. got health insurance through their employer. However, by 2011, that percentage dropped to just under 60 percent.
In terms of raw numbers, this translates to approximately 11.5 million fewer Americans who receive employer-based health coverage through their workplace.
Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, RWJF president and CEO, indicated that this largely stems from the greater cost burden business owners have had to take on.
"Higher costs naturally translate into fewer employers offering insurance coverage, and fewer employees accepting it, even when it is offered," said Lavizzo-Mourey. "That is why it is so important that people have options for purchasing affordable health insurance that meets their needs."
ACA compliance needed from business owners nationwide
With the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act going into full effect in January 2014, these numbers will likely be affected. That's because the healthcare reform law mandates that business owner provide "affordable" health insurance to their workers.
This is one of several requirements that employers will need to make available to their workforce. But the size of a business owners' employee base has an impact on this as well.
For example, for companies that employ fewer than 50 workers, they will not be required to provide health insurance protection. For companies who have 50 employees and above, though, they will need to make employer-sponsored coverage available. Business owners who fail to do so may have to pay a penalty of $2,000 for each employee they have.
Something else that is slated to affect business owners are wellness programs and how they will impact cost. For example, the ACA enables employers to make incentives available to their workers that can help them lower their overall costs. Employees who participate in them – such as a gym membership or a nutrition program can save themselves up to 30 percent on their premiums.
