Massachusetts small business health insurance premiums 2nd highest in US, study finds

Massachusetts small business owners buying health insurance for their employees are spending more than businesses in most other states and are getting less for that money, according to data released Thursday by Massachusetts’ Health Policy Commission. That is true even as individuals and small businesses who buy health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector are spending less than consumers in almost every other state. “The opportunity there is clear,” said David Auerbach, director for research and cost trends at the Health Policy Commission. “A lot of small firms don’t know about the Connector or haven’t considered making that change, but it is open to them.” The new report, a preliminary version of which was released at a Health Policy Commission meeting, found that premiums for small businesses in Massachusetts are the second highest in the U.S., while premiums for large businesses are the 10th highest in the country.