Small Employer Taskforce to Hold Forum on Rising Health Care Costs’ Impact on Business Growth

PROVIDENCE, RI – State leaders and business owners will come together to discuss the how high health insurance costs are slowing economic development in the state.

The forum, titled, Health Care Costs and Economic Development: The Small Employer Perspective will be hosted by the Health Insurance Small Employer Taskforce on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick.

A panel of state leaders—including RI Health Insurance Commissioner Kathleen Hittner, RI DLT Director Scott Jensen, HealthSource RI Director Anya Rader Wallack, State Representative Joe Shekarchi and State Senator Josh Miller—will join with an audience of business and nonprofit leaders to discuss the impact the impact of rising health insurance costs on job creation and economic growth in the small business sector.

“Despite there being no legal mandate for businesses of our size to offer health care benefits, market pressure, employee expectations, and the desire to compete for more qualified staff create their own requirements,” said Taskforce co-chair Frank Ferri, former owner of Town Hall Lanes in Johnston.

Taskforce co-chair Rob Cagnetta, owner of Heritage Restoration in Providence, added, “Health insurance has risen astronomically for over a decade. Unlike larger firms, we are unable to absorb these costs without sacrificing the growth of our businesses. “

The event is free and open to the public.

 

The Health Insurance Small Employer Taskforce engages small business and non-profit employers to voice their opinions on the state of health insurance in Rhode Island. Coordinated by The Providence Plan, the Taskforce is an opportunity for employers to publicly share their perspectives on what current health care spending really costs their organizations. For more information, visit www.ritaskforce.com.

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Avatar About the Author: The Rhode Island Small Business Journal is a printed monthly magazine and an online resource for the aspiring and start-up entrepreneur and small business owner.

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