Most Companies in Detroit Area Considering Reduction in Employee Health Benefits

A survey of business executives in Southeast Michigan reveals that most are planning to scale back or eliminate health coverage for their employees. This survey is indicative of what is going on with job-based coverage across the country.

86% said that their employees should expect to pay a higher share of their health insurance premiums in the future. Employers believe that they should be getting more help from other sources in paying employee health insurance premiums - they would gladly cover 48% of the cost, but feel that employees themselves should pay for 27%, while the federal government should pay the remaining 25%.

The employers also believed that people need to take more responsibility for their health. 75% felt that smokers should have to pay more for coverage. Others suggested higher premiums for drinkers and overweight persons as well.