Small business employers have a difficult time providing coverage for themselves and their employees due to rising health insurance premiums. As a result, small businesses offering coverage declined from 68% in 2000 to 59% in 2007. At the same time, a larger proportion of the population is heading towards self-employment as contractors, consultants, and independent agents. Thus, small business owners, and the self-employed in particular, will need new options for purchasing affordable health care coverage.