Health care tops election concerns for small business

You know, I hate to say it, but I'm actually beginning to think that the free market will never, ever solve the medical insurance mess:

Some of the most frustrating problems facing small-business owners -- the ever-rising cost of health coverage, expanding government regulations and uncertainty about taxes -- are again concerns as the midterm elections approach. Owners have hopes for change on some of these issues, but they realize that others are likely to remain unresolved, no matter who wins in November.

Many small-business owners say the cost of health care is one of their biggest problems -- they want to offer insurance to attract the best workers, but it's becoming more and more expensive.

Businesses have been looking to the federal government for help, but a possible solution known as association health plans, which would allow small businesses to band together across state lines to buy insurance in groups, has continually stalled in Congress. In the meantime, the cost of insurance coverage is soaring.

There is just too much at stake for private companies that are spending money. There is an enormous incentive to refuse insurance to those who need it. This incentive, coupled with laws that prevent the necessary actions, leads inevitably to spiraling costs.

Link: Health care tops election concerns for small business