Program helps pay health insurance for small businesses

A new state program goes into effect next month that will help small businesses pay for their workers' health insurance. <br/><br/>News on 6 business reporter Steve Berg talked with one small company

Thursday, October 6th 2005, 10:50 am

By: News On 6

A new state program goes into effect next month that will help small businesses pay for their workers' health insurance.

News on 6 business reporter Steve Berg talked with one small company that says the new program is just what the doctor ordered. Utica Physical Therapy provides much needed healthcare for its clients. Ironically, it can't provide health insurance for all its workers.

Jessica Dickey: "It's hard because I've been with them for almost two years; I know they don't have the money to finance everyone some healthcare."

Owner Renee England says she would certainly like to provide coverage for all her employees. "As a small business owner, it's harder to retain and recruit really good employees and I have to have great employees." But she says her monthly healthcare premiums are already stretching their budget. "I'd say $3,000 or $4,000 and that's a large number for a small business like myself."

But starting next month, small businesses with 25 employees or less can get 65 percent of their employees' premiums paid for by the state. The money comes from a cigarette tax that was approved in the last election with State Question 713.

Right now, there are some income restrictions. For example, to qualify, Jessica can't make more than about $17,000 a year, $37,000 if she has a family of four. But they say it's a step in the right direction. Renee England: "And it's also going to drive other people to be motivated to go into business for themselves, if they know there's some kind of assistance out there, they might take the risk of going into business for themselves." Right now, Jessica's risk is no insurance. "There's really nothing you can do unless you have a lot of money and some way to pay for it."

Oklahoma emphasizes that companies can use whatever insurance company they want. They just have to be sure to provide the basic services, lab work, x-rays, office visits, things like that.

If you want to learn more, log onto the state's healthcare website.