COLUMBUS, Ohio -- COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Health care comes up as a campaign issue and Congress is trying to tackle health care reform under each new administration.
According to the the latest Discover Small Business Watch healthcare survey, 85 percent of small business owners don't offer health benefits to employees. That's an increase from 77 percent in 2008 and from 74 percent in January 2007.
Small-business owners met with U.S. Representative Mary Jo Kilroy Wednesday at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce to discuss their concerns about health care.
Business owners are concerned about 50- to 60-percent rate increases each year, high deductibles and pre-existing conditions.
Spinelli's Deli employs 17 people, but only six of them receive health care.
"Our biggest challenge is the very cost year over year. For the past five years, we've seen anywhere from 15 to 20 percent increase in our premiums," said Joe Spinelli, of Spinelli's Deli.
Precise Resource saw a 50 percent rate increase last year and a 60 percent increase this year.
"You just have to bear the brunt and make a few changes. Last year, I didn't make the changes. I kind of bit the bullet, took the hit in our bottom line. This year, we actually changed the plan, increased the deductible," said Janice Mitchell, of Precise Resource.
Mitchell's employees now pay more for doctor's visits, emergency room visits and prescriptions.
Four small business owners brought their concerns to the attention of Kilroy to get feedback before Congress tries to reform health care nationwide.
"It's been very hard to get accomplished in the past. I think 48 million Americans are without health care insurance and the burden that small businesses in particular like we're hearing today have been feeling. It is imperative that we get it done this year," Kilroy said.
Kilroy said the goal is for Congress to have a plan ironed out by August.
In the meantime, she's also talking to physicians, health care providers and social service groups to get as much information as she can from her constituents.
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