NJ Town Pares Back Worker Hours to Avoid ObamaCare

Faces $775,000 in increased health care costs

The township shaved back hours for some part-time workers to avoid providing insurance required under the federal health care reform law, the Asbury Park Press has learned.

The change impacts about 25 part-time employees. But that could translate to a $775,000 annual increase in the township's health insurance costs, based on the current benefits in place now, which are about $31,000 per employee.

Starting May 1, Middletown adjusted hours for part-time employees to make sure they work, on average, less than 30 hours per week, the threshold that the Affordable Care Act considers a full-time employee.