The increasing cost of insuring health care remains the primary concern of employee benefits agents and their clients, but despite the attention the issue has received from both presidential candidates, producers are not hopeful for a solution from Washington in the near future.

Indeed, the next President will have other concerns that will likely preempt any plans either has for health insurance reform, according to benefits specialists.

Mike Brewer, president of the Lockton Benefit Group, cited the “crippling financial crisis” and continuing wars to fund as prime factors standing in the way of any comprehensive health insurance reform effort in Washington.