Workers face more health care cuts

The Detriot News reports:

The majority of businesses in southeast Michigan expects to scale back health care benefits for employees, while more than one-quarter are considering eliminating employee health coverage, according to a survey.

The troubling news for Metro Detroit workers was among the key findings of a survey of executives from 203 local companies by Troy-based John Bailey & Associates. The results will be released today at the Detroit Regional Chamber's Business Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island.

The study shows 61 percent of companies are considering reductions in future health care benefits for employees while another 27 percent may eliminate medical insurance for workers.

Three-quarters of the business leaders surveyed also said smokers should pay more for insurance premiums, while nearly as many said individuals who lead a healthy lifestyle should get cost advantages.

We might slowly be moving towards risk based health care.