As small businesses are trying to cope with declining revenues as a result of the recession, about 10 percent are contemplating eliminating health coverage for their employees, according to The Wall Street Journal. Reporting on several surveys that examine how employers are managing escalating healthcare costs, the Journal quotes the national insurer Assurant Health commenting on a recent increase in small businesses that have cancelled their insurance policies. Small businesses have seen their health insurance premiums for individual coverage increase by 74 percent from 2001 to 2008. The Journal also cites a Hewitt survey that found that 19% of all companies are considering not offering health benefits in the next three to five years.
