Even though the law has provided health coverage to more than 10 million previously uninsured Americans since its inception in 2010, some of its provisions remain unpopular with both consumers and businesses (especially smaller ones). One of the major sticking points to the ACA is the “employer mandate” requiring companies of 50 or more employees to provide coverage to its workforce or face a penalty of $2,000 per uninsured worker. That provision kicks in this year.
Now, however, a bill that addresses the employer mandate as it relates to military veterans (and has unusual bipartisan support) is making its way through Congress. Called the “Hire More Heroes Act,” the pending legislation would exempt post-9/11 veterans from the mandate, as they already receive healthcare through the Veterans Administration of Department of Defense. Companies would be able to deduct such hires from their employer-mandate tally, which could encourage businesses to hire more veterans. A senior executive of veterans’ group the American Legion calls it a “win/win” for those who have served their country and for small businesses alike.