Fewer workers at small employers get benefits

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.