A motto for the Three Musketeers and Switzerland, could it someday become the healthcare motto for the United States?

For many this question means nothing, because nobody has heard much about the proposed changes to improve our failing healthcare system. There has been a lot happening in Washington, but I would wager to say that only 1 in 10 people have heard anything about it. Yet, when it comes to someone labeled as a Pop Icon, I’m sure 10 out of 10 people would be able to name exactly who I’m talking about and every detail of his life.

How is it possible that we know more about Michael Jackson, someone who does not directly affect our well being, yet we know very little about the proposed changes for healthcare in Washington that could drastically effect things in our day-to-day lives?

With the government’s plans to expand health coverage that would lead to 97% of legal Americans being insured, it is amazing that the government minds are expecting to come up with a plan by the end of July! This is a huge undertaking that is being rushed through the government chains. Yet, the American people know more about Michael Jackson than the fact that we could someday have a tax on sugary sodas, such as Coca-Cola, as a means of paying for expanded health insurance.

It is this speedy timeline that has me wondering if some government officials are overlooking some great things that have already been federally proposed to help with the rising cost of healthcare.

Currently only about half of small businesses with three to nine workers offer health benefits. Within the last year, that figure has continued to grow for every size business as companies look for ways to cut costs. When benefits are lost, sometimes-valuable employees leave. But in January 2009, proposed federal regulations went into effect that will allow business owners to offer Health Care Premium Reimbursement (HCPR) to their employees – regardless of whether they offer a group health plan.

If an employer decided to elect the HCPR option of a Cafeteria Plan, they would be able to continue to provide employees with a benefit that would allow them to save approximately 25% on every dollar spent toward individually owned health care premiums. The employer can still provide a benefit, which in the end will pay for itself, and the employer can make it easier to afford paying for premiums.

When we have employers struggling to offer benefits and employees in need of affordable health insurance, why aren’t we spending more time educating people on what is currently available? Instead we are trying to recreate the wheel and in a big hurry, and it seems we’re trying to make it one size fits all.

All for One, and One for All?

Anne Case                                                                                           BASE-Marketing

I just returned this weekend from a two-week vacation in northern Minnesota. I have to say I saw some things that made me feel uneasy again about the economy. The number of businesses that closed since last year was scary. Normal places that I had frequented for years prior all of a sudden were no longer there. They all seemed to have vibrant businesses last summer. I just don’t know what happened.

A couple of businesses that were scheduled to open last year had already closed their doors and in less than a year! I always wonder "What went wrong?" Was it the rising cost of products, utilities or the big drop in consumer spending? Or should it just be chalked up to bad timing? Maybe a combination of all those factors would be the best bet.

I feel bad for the closed shops and their owners. Will they ever take the plunge again to be self-employed? I certainly hope so; I really loved some of those shops!

I often wonder how some of the small business owners do it. How do they make time for themselves without jeopardizing their business? Not so easy if it’s only you and your spouse trying to run the business. Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place!

So here is the question of the week, do you close up shop for that "me" time or do you burn out with no "me" time? If you do close, will it be enough to start a downward spiral of lost customers and sales? Do you really relax or is it a constant pounding in the back of your head saying, "You should be back at the shop"? I would venture to say it is one hard decision to make.

I sound like a broken record but if you are self-employed there are ways BASE can help you. Call and speak to a BASE Benefit Specialist today to see what we have to offer.

I am not self-employed so, when I need time off I request it and can go with no worries. I am fortunate to work with people who are able to slip into my job and handle it while I am out. Our clients are our priority and we are dedicated to BASE and to keeping things running without any hitches. We want to help your business be around for the good times!