Health Insurance concerns addressed by Florida's CFO

COLLIER COUNTY— Ninety seven percent of businesses in Collier County FL are considered small businesses, so called mom and pop shops with fewer than 50 employees. All of the businesses are different, but they all share one concern – health insurance costs. Florida's Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher said the state may have to step in to fix the problem.



The Haynes Corporation makes small parts for big engines.



"We manufacture fuel injection systems for industrial engines," said James Dixon of the Haynes Corporation.



Business is booming at their small factory, but one thing still drags down the bottom line.



"Health insurance, that's the big one," said Laura Dixon of the Haynes Corporation. "It's well over $100,000 a year just for health insurance."



Like many other companies, they are cutting back on coverage.



"It's changed through the years. We used to pay 100 percent for the entire family. Now we only cover the individual that works here," said Jim Dixon.



The Dixons were just one of several small business owners that sat down with Florida's Chief Financial Officer, Tom Gallagher, to put a personal face on a state wide problem.



"It's a large amount right off their bottom line," said Gallagher.



During a round table discussion, Gallagher vowed to help.



"Where we can help in certain kinds of policies being available to people that could help bring down costs, we need to do that and we're going to," said Gallagher.



The group discussed bringing in other insurance companies to Florida to increase competition and lower costs, but the most popular idea was a health savings account that operates like an Individual Retirement Account.



"Make employees look at what they're spending on their health care. I think health care savings accounts will come into play in controlling those costs," said Tammie Nemecek of the Economic Development Council.



When it comes to health insurance, experts admit there isn't one cure all.



The Dixons hope the discussion about health insurance will continue at the state capitol.



"It's always nice to have your voice heard in Tallahassee and if he carries the message back and they do something, that's the main thing. They are going to have to act on it and change the way they conduct business in the state," said Dixon.



The state hopes small businesses that save money on insurance will re-invest it and bring more jobs to the area.



The discussion with Gallagher also included workers compensation, affordable housing and transportation.