I think many Gen X’ers like myself grew up in the era of $10 copays and the assumption that health benefits were required of employers. Now that I am older and dealing with grey hairs, I have learned the truth about that topic. One thing we try to stress with candidates is the fact that health benefits are 1.) a perk since they are not required and 2.) a significant piece of the compensation pie.
This quick blurb is from the Career News newsletter (sorry, no link):
WASHINGTON, DC –The percentage of U.S. residents covered by employment-based health insurance declined again last year, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Tuesday.
In 2006, 59.7% of the U.S. population received health insurance coverage through an employment-based plan. That is down from 60.2% in 2005 and is the sixth consecutive year of decreases in employment-based coverage. In 2000, 64.2% of the U.S. population had health insurance through an employer, the report shows.
While the Census Bureau revised its previous years’ health insurance estimates – showing that more U.S. residents have health insurance coverage than previously reported – the trend remains the same. According to the report, the percentage of people without health insurance increased to 15.8% in 2006 from 15.3% in 2005.
As a small business owner, I can attest to the incredible rising costs associated with health insurance. If you offer a strong (or “rich”) benefits package, make sure you spell out those details when making an offer to a sales candidate. What was once assumed is now being measured by candidates so use your benefits package to your advantage.