This is an issue of fairness. Another avenue for tax relief could be health care costs. Employers are the purchasers of health insurance for their employees. Few Missourians would be able to afford coverage on their own. Given the fact that employers are the primary purchasers of health insurance in the state, the skyrocketing cost of this benefit inhibits employers' ability to provide health insurance.
Health insurance is available.
The problem is affordability. This solution directly addresses the problems employers face in providing this benefit. In 1999, we expect the Legislature to again debate mandated benefits and the affordability of health insurance for small employers. Such legislation, if passed, would dramatically increase the cost of plans provided by employers, leading to less basic coverage for Missourians. The Missouri Chamber will be watching this legislation very closely to prevent any kind of employer mandate or significant restrictions in plan design.