Opinion: Offering Health Care Options to CT’s 360,000-plus Small Businesses

Fran Pastore — The Women’s Business Development Council is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women in business thrive and reach their personal economic goals through entrepreneurship. Our focus is Main Street businesses, small employers that invest time and talent in their local communities and are an essential part of the economic vitality of the towns and cities where they work and live. Since our founding 25 years ago, we’ve helped more than 17,000 clients, supporting the launch of more than 12,750 businesses and the creation of over 27,500 jobs.

We’re committed to helping businesses obtain the tools and resources they need to compete and grow — and that includes the ability to provide employees with affordable, quality health plan coverage.

Businesses that employ 50 or fewer people are not required by law — as larger companies are — to offer employees health insurance. While there’s no mandate, no small business can expect to compete and succeed if it does not offer health benefits. It’s not only a question of competing for talent (no small challenge amid the current labor shortage), but fostering a workplace culture that supports employee health and well-being and reflects Main Street values.

The problem? It’s become almost impossible for small businesses to find affordable, comprehensive health plan options.

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