Getting Health Care Right for American Businesses!

Small businesses are especially burdened with high costs that often prevent them from being able to offer insurance to their employees. Since 64% of NACS members operate 5 stores or fewer, this is a significant issue. Relevant to companies of all sizes is the threat of an employer mandate which would require employers to offer coverage to employees.

Draft legislation being developed in the House of Representatives requires employers to choose between providing health coverage or paying an 8% excise tax on payroll. The 8% tax would be applied to the employer’s entire payroll, including wages paid to owner-employees and others who may be covered under the employer’s group health plan.

In the Senate, proposed legislation would establish a pay or play fee per employee. Employers with more than 25 employees that don’t offer health insurance would be required to pay a “modest” $750 fee per full time employee and a $350 fee per part-time employee on an annual basis to help the government cover the costs of providing insurance.

NACS’ believes that every American should have access to affordable health insurance, whether through their employer or on their own. However, an employer mandate is a threat to the industry and all businesses. Join NACS in voicing your opposition to these proposals.