Rising costs prompting small businesses to drop health insurance benefits

Chicago Tribune, February 26, 2009

As the recession deepens, small businesses and those buying insurance on their own are struggling to maintain coverage amid double-digit rate increases. According to a new report by the Illinois Main Street Alliance, 12% of nearly 500 small businesses polled in a dozen states have dropped coverage for their workers within the past two years. In addition, 35% reported switching within the past two years to insurance that covers fewer services.