The coverage dilemma for employers
By Anonymous | |
Proquest LLC |
Three different businesses. Three different responses to the federal Affordable Care Act.
Gorski said he dropped his group plan and sent his workers to the exchange because "the Obamacare tax credit was a better deal than my subsidies."
Most of his employees were eligible for the credit, but a few - those making
Now
If he manages his hours right in 2015, he might be able to avoid the penalty, or at least lower it. But he needs to keep the place properly staffed too.
"I run a grocery store," he said. "I don't have a human resources department. For us small guys, it's hard trying to manage all that stuff while still selling peas."
Then again, the individual penalty might push some employees toward workplace coverage. That's what happened last year to
"Do I like the mandate? No," he said. "Am I going to follow it? Of course."
In the past, about 100 workers took their chances and declined the insurance, but last year, either the hoopla about the ACA or the individual coverage, caused about 30 more to join the chain's health plan. Since Boucher kicks in 60 percent, that cost his business about
How many more will join the company's plan to avoid the stiffer penalties that go into effect in 2015 is anybody's guess. Boucher doesn't even know how many of his employees are uninsured, since some may be covered by their a spouse's insurance. And some part-timers might be eligible for
"It's unsettling, not knowing," he said. "The government keeps on throwing us things, and we have to figure out a way to comply."
Finally, there is
"We looked at this six ways from Sunday, and either way it will be an economic blow," he said. "I can't raise my prices. I can't lay off people. Obamacare will drive us out of business," he said.
At this point he said, the best option is to split the company and sell off part of it, so both halves will be under 100 employees.
But despite Anagnost's distaste for the law, he does see a silver lining if the ACA does eventually shift the nation away from workplace-based health insurance.
"I'd love to be out of the health care business. It would make our lives so much easier," he said.
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