Robert Hurt backs bill to change definition of small business for healthcare law

Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released a statement after the House passed the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act, which would maintain the definition of small employer as those with 50 or fewer employees.

“Last month on our Main Street Tour, I spoke with many Fifth District Virginians who continue to feel the damaging effects of the President’s healthcare law.  We continue to see employers forced to cut working hours for their employees; we see families unable to keep healthcare plans they have always counted on; and we see unsustainable increases in insurance premiums, co-pays, and deductibles.  On January 1, 2016 the small employer definition is set to change from 50 or fewer employees to 100 or fewer employees.  This change would result in increased premiums and disruption of coverage, only exacerbating the problems Fifth District Virginians already experience under the President’s healthcare law.

“The Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act allows states to expand the definition but removes the federal requirement to do so.  This bipartisan bill will protect small businesses from another premium spike and will ensure their employees can keep their healthcare plans.  I was pleased to see this bill pass the House with bipartisan support, and it is my hope the Senate takes up this commonsense legislation expeditiously.  I remain committed to working with my colleagues to minimize the harmful effects of the President’s healthcare law, while we work to replace it with substantive reform based upon market-oriented principles.”