Navigating Rising Health Insurance Costs in the Printing Industry
The health insurance landscape presents formidable financial challenges for employers, especially within the printing sector. Known for its constrained operating margins, this industry faces climbing health insurance costs, ranking just behind payroll. Since the turn of the millennium, premiums for small businesses have surged over 120%. As the printing industry's composition largely consists of small businesses, these rising costs significantly impact their operational capabilities, affecting hiring, talent retention, and expansion efforts.
For businesses with 10 to 199 employees, the average cost of family health coverage reached $26,054 in 2025, marking a 50% increase over five years. Workers on average contributed $6,850 towards these premiums. Looking ahead to 2026, an 18% projected premium rate hike outpaces the previous year's increases, though employer-sponsored plans may see a slightly more moderate rise of approximately 9%. Contributing factors include rising prescription drug prices, increasing healthcare service utilization, technological advancements, and overall inflation, all exacerbating the financial pressures on businesses with already tight margins.
The Commonwealth Fund highlights a general consensus among small-business owners that a range of stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, insurance carriers, government entities, and healthcare providers—play a role in the escalating healthcare costs. For members of the PRINTING United Alliance, the message is clear: rising health insurance costs directly threaten competitiveness and growth, necessitating urgent policy reform to manage risk and maintain operational stability.
Legislative Solutions and Industry Advocacy
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) identifies health insurance costs as a top concern for small business owners, a consistent issue since 1986. Legislation like the Custom Health Option and Individual Care Expense (CHOICE) Arrangement Act is under consideration. This bill aims to incorporate health reimbursement accounts into the tax code, offering affordability and flexibility to small businesses. The proposed legislation, awaiting further action in congressional committees, seeks to enable pre-tax fund usage for employee health coverage.
The potential expiration of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits at the end of 2025 remains a significant concern. Roughly half of ACA marketplace enrollees are small business employees, placing small employers in a precarious position. Without an extension, premiums could skyrocket, impacting over 22 million individuals and sparking financial strain among small business owners. Some consider discontinuing employee coverage altogether, which could severely affect industry workforce dynamics and risk management efforts.
As policymakers debate the issue, some proposals suggest replacing ACA tax credits with Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions, though approaches differ. The PRINTING United Alliance, along with partners like NFIB, advocates for policies ensuring affordable healthcare access. Stabilizing healthcare costs is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and economic health among small businesses. Members and stakeholders are encouraged to engage in legislative efforts supporting the CHOICE Arrangement Act, promoting affordable healthcare solutions vital for sustained industry growth and competitiveness. For further information, members can access PRINTING United Alliance’s resources and advocacy channels.