Fewer workers at small companies have access to health benefits than five years ago, new data show.

Fifty-seven percent of employees at small companies, defined as having fewer than 100 workers, had access to employer-sponsored health care. That’s down from 59 percent in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By contrast, 89 percent of workers at large companies, defined as having at least 500 employees, have access to health benefits. A comparable number for 2007 was not available. However, at companies with at least 100 employees, 84 percent of employees had access to coverage five years ago.

The latest data are from BLS’ National Compensation Survey, which looks at benefits through March of this year. For more on the survey click here.

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

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