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Health Insurance Case Study

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Submitted By NH117
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Increasing health plan premium costs are a growing burden for the employers who choose to provide health insurance coverage to employees. For small business owners operating on limited budgets, these increases are even more significant. The passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) creates additional responsibilities for employers regarding the minimum requirements and pricing of insurance plans for employees. Employers make difficult decisions to determine how to continue to provide health insurance at a fair and reasonable price, without harming the small business.
The case study by Spencer (2014) examines the options of small business owners, John and Liza, faced with a 25% increase in health insurance rates. Once it is determined that the increase is due to the age and health status of several employees, the owner must decide whether to penalize certain employees with increased contributions, or have all workers absorb the added costs equally. In addition, there is concern that hiring a potential new employee, Robert, will increase insurance rates even further due to the pre-existing health condition of his spouse.
It is challenging to select an option that has a fair and balanced impact on the company and its employees. While financially it is easiest for the company to have each employee absorb the cost of the premium increase, this is not a fair option if premium increases for all are due to the lifestyle factors of a small representation. There is an increased risk of turnover with a substantial rise in employee premium portions, as well as a negative impact on morale and recruitment. John and Liza will need to consider the possible cost of turnover when determining the best plan for the company.
One option John and Liza have is to charge their employee Mary a higher contribution rate due to the fact she is a woman. Women face unfair and discriminatory

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