Rep. Suzan DelBene is proposing to widen eligibility for ObamaCare’s small-business tax credit as a way to encourage more firms to offer health insurance.
DelBene, a Democrat from Washington state, introduced legislation Thursday making businesses with up to 50 employees eligible for the tax credits. Currently, only firms with up to 25 workers are eligible.
{mosads}The bill would also lengthen the timeframe that a small business can receive the tax credit to three years, extend the credit to firms with higher average wages and simplify certain calculations related to the provision.
In a statement, DelBene called the bill a “responsible, meaningful reform” to ObamaCare.
“Growing our economy means supporting our small businesses, and one straightforward way to do this is to help business owners with the cost of health insurance for their workers,” DelBene said.
“It’s clear that the small business tax credit created under the Affordable Care — while well-intentioned policy — can be improved to better serve the needs of small businesses.”
While the bill has little chance of progress in the GOP-controlled House, it is supported by the National Retail Federation and advocacy group Families USA.
Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced companion legislation in the upper chamber.