Vermont Employers Wrestle With Health Insurance Change

Many Vermont employers are struggling with the decision whether to continue their workers on health insurance or allow them to buy it individually and take advantage of federal tax credits.

At a forum Wednesday in Montpelier, some employers said the dilemma is especially acute for businesses that have a wide disparity between the highest- and lowest-paid workers.

The comments came during a forum for small business owners looking at the launch of the Vermont Health Connect Health Insurance Exchange.

Business owners say lower-wage employees might be better off with an individual or family plan subsidized by the government, but higher paid employees aren’t eligible for subsidies.

The health overhaul law requires employers to make an all-or-nothing decision about coverage.