Small Business Startup News

High Costs Of Benefits Have SMBs Cutting Back

Written by James Conroy
Published: 6/12/2009

Most small business owners say it is increasingly difficult to offer benefits to employees.

A new report from Aflac finds that the nation's small business owners are finding it increasingly difficult to offer quality benefits for their employees as the cost of health care continues to rise.

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Entrepreneurs who have suffered losses in sales seem to be having the hardest time offering things like health coverage to employees as 69 percent of those businesses say it is more difficult to give strong benefits packages to employees.

Cost is the underlying factor in this decision as 43 percent of small businesses say they plan to cut back on benefits, with another 65 reporting they are looking for more cost-effective ways of providing the services.

The good news for small businesses in this situation is that they can offer programs like supplemental insurance policies which can provide some coverage with no additional cost to the business.

"Not only does offering supplemental insurance help to strengthen a company's overall benefits package, but it truly provides a valuable service to employees," said Paul S. Amos II, president and COO of Aflac. "When they are sick or injured and cannot work, it provides them with cash to pay expenses that aren't covered by major medical insurance. It's a big win for both employees and employers."

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