Familiar hike: end of 'healthy-group' discount Jan. 1 spurs interest in self-funded insurance plans, other options.([HEALTH CARE

While wellness programs are creating a buzz in the insurance world, they are not going to solve the health-care crisis tomorrow, Dougherty said. "It's interesting, because everybody's talking about it. But, just like everything else, in a lot of cases it requires additional costs, and everybody's kind of pinched right now,"

SHOP AROUND

Employers frustrated with ever-rising rates should shop around and do their homework, Morrison said. Because of the size of the task, a broker can help. "But don't just listen to one broker or one agent or read material from one company," she said.

Brokers can provide businesses with a comprehensive report, focusing on their current coverage and comparing price and benefits with other options in the market, Regalado said.

Many carriers, including United, Anthem and RMHP, have launched new products focused on the small-group market. Self-funded plans are an option for some, particularly small businesses with young, healthy employees, Dougherty said.

Some business owners, such as Eric Swick of Swick and Associates, a Denver accounting and tax practice, have dealt with the uncertain health-care issue by giving employees a static amount for health insurance, and letting them purchase their plans.

"That way, 1 know that I have a fixed cost that I'm going to incur no matter which plan they pick or no matter how old they are," Swick said.

And, as Tulper of the Federal Healthcare clinic said, shop around and do whatever it takes for the good of the company--and for the good of the business' chief commodity: the employees, added fellow manager Kate Springs.

"Many of our employees work paycheck to paycheck," Springs said. "Many are single parents." In a small company like hers (20 employees), workers are loyal to each other and the business. "We're like a family," she said. "We want to do whatever we can for them."

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