Recently, I read an article in this publication, “The Middle-Class Struggling with Health Insurance.” Health insurance costs are certainly an issue for everyone today, especially the self-employed and those working for small companies. Many companies are trying to cut costs and those cost-cutting measures may eliminate employee health coverage, forcing employees to find coverage on their own. Consequently, many employed individuals and families are now facing the same challenge small business owners have been facing for years–finding affordable insurance.The nation’s uninsured population of approximately 45 million has risen dramatically in recent years. According to Todd Stottlemyer, president of the National Federation of Independent Business in recent testimony before Congress, nearly 63% of the uninsured are small business owners or employees of small businesses. In addition, many who leave a corporate position and enter business for themselves are shocked at the real cost of health insurance. While in their previous position, their employer was paying a portion of their premium. What they paid wasn’t the premium for their insurance, but a percentage of the premium. When faced with the reality of having to pay the full premium themselves, many refuse, leaving themselves and their family uninsured.