SMALL EMPLOYER INSURANCE BILL PASSES

Georgia’s Senate Bill 174, allowing small companies to offer employees pared-down health plans, has been approved by the House of Representatives.

The bill, estimated to save 10 to 15 percent on health insurance costs for small businesses and their employees will: Give small businesses a break in paying for their employees’ health insurance; make health insurance more affordable for small businesses; and encourage more small businesses to offer health insurance to their employees. It provides a choice between a traditional plan, with full coverage under the existing state mandates; or a plan offering less benefits at a lower cost. Regulations only apply to companies with less than 50 employees; large self-insured employers are exempt.