There are many employers that have less than 500 employees but more than 50 which are in markets with most of their competitors are small firms that have less than 50 employees and are not required to furnish health insurance for their employees. In 2014 this group will be disadvantaged in the market place because these smaller companies will have a significant competitive advantage. Either level the playing field by required all to offer the insurance or give us some help in affording this costly coverage either by providing tax incentives or allowing these smaller employers to use the exchange with a mixture of tax incentives. Currently it is cheaper for most of these companies to simply pay the penalty which is a lose lose situation for all.



