Small Employers: Their Diversity and Health Insurance

10 major factors that policymakers must consider when developing health insurance policy for small employers are examined.

Abstract

This report addresses the current state of knowledge about small employers and health insurance. The report (1) demonstrates differences in health insurance coverage between small and large employers; (2) explains why small businesses may behave somewhat differently than large businesses in sponsoring health insurance for their workers; (3) identifies existing data sets that can be used to monitor and study small-business health insurance over time; and (4) develops a research agenda and a data collection strategy for small businesses and health insurance reform issues. This report examines 10 major factors that policymakers must consider when developing health insurance policy for small employers.