05/07/2026
Growing small businesses may trigger the ACA’s play-or-pay provisions. These rules apply to applicable large employers (ALEs), which are those with 50 or more full-time employees, including full-time equivalents (FTEs).
ALEs must offer full-time employees and their dependents minimum essential coverage that’s affordable and provides certain minimum value. For 2026, the penalties for noncompliance generally are 1) $3,340 per full-time employee, excluding the first 30, for not offering coverage, and 2) $5,010 per full-time employee who receives a premium tax credit, for offering coverage that doesn’t meet the affordability and minimum value requirements.
Call us at (618) 244-2666 to discuss your obligations.