When I started looking into this three years ago, the idea of expanding health care seemed like such a noble cause. Who doesn’t want to see more people covered? But when the Biden administration’s latest round of mandates rolled out, it was clear they hadn't thought through how small businesses would survive.

I remember talking to John last week at our local coffee shop. He runs his own bakery and has been struggling ever since these new regulations came into play. “I love my employees,” he said, “but I can’t afford the premiums for this expanded coverage.”

These mandates require businesses to offer more extensive health benefits, including things like mental health services that many small companies simply cannot afford. When you’re just barely making ends meet as it is, adding thousands of dollars in healthcare costs each month feels impossible.

I started digging into the specifics when I heard about John’s struggles. The details were alarming: mandated coverage for treatments and drugs that are often overpriced or unnecessary. It reminded me of my own journey with natural remedies – why can’t we trust God’s design instead?

The thing is, there ARE alternatives out there. Many small businesses have turned to community support programs, employee wellness initiatives focused on prevention, and even sharing plans across multiple owners in a cooperative structure. But these options are not always easy or obvious.

As I’ve learned more about this, I can’t help but feel sad for all the hardworking people like John who just want to keep their doors open and serve their communities. And it’s frustrating because so many of us would rather see real solutions than bureaucratic red tape.

So what do you think? Is there a better way forward that doesn’t punish small businesses?

If you know someone running a small business right now, please share this with them. It might help them feel less alone in their struggles and more hopeful about finding viable alternatives.