INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana employers are weighing their options as they face new requirements to offer workers health benefits under the federal health care overhaul.

The 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires companies to begin offering health insurance to employees working at least 30 hours a week beginning next year. Employers with more than 50 workers that fail to offer health benefits to qualifying staff can face steep fines.

The Indianapolis Business Journal reports the change is forcing some employers to consider cutting workers' hours to avoid paying the increased costs.

Jay Ricker of Anderson-based Ricker Oil Co. says he expects to expand coverage to his 650 employees but says some companies won't be able to afford that option and could go out of business.