The Obama administration will delay forcing smaller businesses to offer healthcare to their employees until 2016.

The mandate requires certain businesses to provide health insurance to their employees. It was originally set to take effect last month, but was delayed to January 1, 2105 -- and how has been extended again to allow smaller businesses time to adjust.

The Obama administration described a three-tiered approach to phasing in the new healthcare law:

• 100 or more employees: 70 percent of employees must be offered coverage in 2015 - or face tax penalties. After 2015, at least 95% of employees must be offered coverage.
• 50-99 employees: Businesses have until 2016 to provide coverage - or face tax penalties.
• Less than 50 employees: Not required to provide coverage.

Read more of Neon Tommy's coverage of the Affordable Care Act here. Contact executive producer Raishad Hardnett here.