Insuring the Uninsured: A recent poll found that most employers favor employment-linked health insurance. Well, what it really found is that most employers would like to be able to provide health insurance for their employees. It's easier to attract and keep good employees if you offer health insurance. But, the truth is, it's very hard for small businesses to offer health insurance.

I have two employees. I'm in danger of losing one because she needs health insurance. There are very affordable individual plans in our area, but the insured has to sign a waiver that says their employer is not compensating them in any way for the premium. The plans that are available for small businesses in our area cost anywhere from two to four times as much as the individual, independent plan. There should be an easier way for small businesses to provide insurance (without having to pay a hefty membership fee to a coalition of small businesses)