Entrepreneur Steven Richards employs about 100 workers at Better Body Foods. So employee benefits are always on his mind.
“We provided health care before Obamacare," he said, "and we continue to provide healthcare to our employees.”
Small business owners hoped the Affordable Care Act wouldn’t raise costs, but:
“As soon as the plan was implemented, all our health care costs have been jumping about 10 to 12 percent a year.”
Incumbent congressman Chris Stewart says he would address health care costs for small business owners with a full repeal of the ACA.
The republican in the second district has voted against the ACA 40 times, and has co-sponsored the American Healthcare Reform Act. Which would allow small businesses to pull funds together to give them the same buying power as larger corporations. And would allow families tax deductions for health care costs.
“We can do better,” Stewart said.
Democratic challenger Charlene Albarran would reform, not repeal the ACA.
“The Affordable Care Act must be defended. Yes, it does need to be improved. And yes, I will address that. But it’s the step in the right direction.”
Albarran has promised to work to bring the cost of healthcare down for people in Utah by capping the money insurance companies can spend on advertising, lobbying, and doctor’s salaries.
