Shock News : Michigan Small Business Sees 65% Increase In Health Care Costs

Management at one 40-employee Michigan car dealership has been bracing for higher health insurance costs in 2014, when the Affordable Care Act goes into full effect.

But they were shocked to hear this month just how high their renewal rate with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan would jump — 65%. Add in the new taxes and fees in the health care law that affect businesses, and the total cost for the dealership of providing medical benefits would rise another 5%.

Since learning of these increases, Extreme Dodge Chrysler Jeep of Jackson has debated whether it can afford to continue offering health care to employees, said Mark Trudell, the dealership’s general manager.

Health care costs to jump for some small and midsize Michigan businesses | Detroit Free Press | freep.com