Companies contend with pesky budgetary item in 2015, Affordable Care Act fines

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Companies are looking to avoid fines related to the Affordable Care Act, but don't want to spend a lot of money doing so.

Rick Johnston

Associate Editor

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As companies nationwide begin to set up budgets for 2015, one line item seems to be a problem for some companies -- fines related to the Affordable Care Act.

If you remember, companies that employ at least 100 people will start taking on fines in 2015. Now, it seems that companies are looking to insurance brokers-slash-law experts to find ways to avoid the fines and keep costs down.

One popular option seems to be enrolling employees in Medicaid, and why not, since the federal and state governments kick in on that. Another option is the "skinny" plan, which has nothing to do with your waistline and everything to do with the amount of coverage, and cost. As it stands, it doesn't seem like either option is illegal.

So, buckle up and prepare for another debate of "the letter of the law" versus "the spirit of the law." -- Wall Street Journal

Rick Johnston is an Associate Editor with the American City Business Journals National Content Team.