All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Manchin calls for healthcare coverage flexibility during COVID-19 pandemic

Washington, DC – This week, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) led three bipartisan colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to provide employers relief and certainty related to their responsibility requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Specifically, the letter asks the Administration to consider safe harbors and flexibility measures regarding compliance with the employer shared responsibility requirements under the ACA.

Under the ACA’s employer shared responsibility provisions, certain employers must either offer minimum essential coverage to their full-time employees (and their dependents), or potentially make an employer shared responsibility payment to the IRS. This provision is sometimes referred to as “the employer mandate”.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, with businesses being forced to close or significantly modify staffing needs, the complex compliance burdens of tracking employees’ hours for full-time employees have been further compounded and may subject a business to an unforeseen tax penalty. This letter seeks to provide employers with some relief and certainty during this unsettling time.

The Senators said in part, “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt by businesses across the United States. Navigating these uncertain times have become increasingly complicated by existing regulatory requirements which threaten to further upend these businesses. So, as the Administration continues its work to provide businesses with regulatory relief related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we respectfully request that you consider safe harbors and flexibility measures regarding compliance with the employer shared responsibility requirements under the Affordable Care Act, Code section 4980H.”

Read the full letter below or click here.

Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Commissioner Rettig:

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be felt by businesses across the United States. Navigating these uncertain times have become increasingly complicated by existing regulatory requirements which threaten to further upend these businesses. So, as the Administration continues its work to provide businesses with regulatory relief related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we respectfully request that you consider safe harbors and flexibility measures regarding compliance with the employer shared responsibility requirements under the Affordable Care Act, Code section 4980H.

As the sponsors of the Employee Flexibility Act, we are aware of how complex tracking employees’ hours under 4980H for the full-time employee and applicable large employer definitions under normal circumstances can be. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with businesses being forced to close or significantly modify staffing needs, the compliance burdens and tracking requirements of Code section 4980H have been further compounded and may subject a business to an unforeseen tax penalty.

At a time when businesses are struggling, we request you provide employers with some relief and certainty. We believe safe harbors and flexibility measures for 4980H are consistent with the Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery Executive Order 13924 and relief already given in other areas of the Code. We thank you for your attention to this request.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.