Helping Workers Hurt by Obamacare

• Obamacare subjects employers with 51 to 100 workers to new mandates starting in January 2016.

• Last week, the House and Senate passed H.R. 1624, the House version of Senator Tim Scott’s bill.

• The bill restores the authority states had before Obamacare to define a “small group market” in the best way for that state.

“As a former small business owner, I know that when the government forces you to spend more money on something, that means less money for raises, bonuses, and creating new jobs.” – Senator Tim Scott

PACE Act Headed to the President’s Desk

Last Thursday, the Senate passed by voice vote H.R. 1624, the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act. The act is nearly identical to Senator Tim Scott’s bill, S. 1099. The House had already passed the PACE Act, so it is now awaiting the president’s signature.

What PACE Does

The PACE Act restores the authority states had before Obamacare to define a “small group market” in the best way for their state. This is a big victory for people who work at smaller businesses. CBO estimates the bill would save $400 million over 10 years.

Avoiding the Obamacare Pain

Under Obamacare, beginning on January 1, 2016, the definition of “small group market” would be changed. Employers with 51 to 100 workers would be placed into a new insurance category with dramatically different mandates and benefit requirements. Employers would be forced to comply with Obamacare’s essential health benefits requirements.

In many cases, employers with 51 to 100 workers would no longer be able to offer their current plans. The new plans would be significantly more expensive.