The legislation requires every individual to purchase insurance or face a penalty of 2.5 percent of income, but allows exemptions for hardship. Individuals who like their current insurance policy are able to keep it. Employers with payrolls greater than $500,000 must provide coverage to their employees and contribute a minimum amount to this coverage (72.5 percent of the premium for individuals). By 2018, employer-sponsored plans must meet the basic benefit package available in the Health Insurance Exchange, which at a minimum will provide preventive services without cost-sharing and mental health services. If an employer chooses not to offer health insurance coverage, the employer must pay a fee equal to 8 percent of their payroll (less for employers with payrolls smaller than $750,000). However, if an employer’s coverage is unaffordable to any employee, that employee may purchase insurance through the Exchange (where subsidies are available) and the employer must pay a fee. The bill also creates a temporary tax credit for small businesses that offer health insurance to their employees.