Employers' $M Health Care Tab

A leading Bay State business group estimates employers will spend an additional $175 million in the next year to help employees comply with mandatory health coverage.

Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Michael Widmer says roughly 50,000 workers and their dependants who have previously gone without insurance will sign up now that health insurance is required.

"The report highlights the fact that employers are an absolutely critical part of health care reform and are doing their fair share in the broadest possible use of that term," says Widmer.

Some consumer groups and lawmakers say they are concerned about employers who offer minimal or no health insurance.