What do you think about companies discontinuing offering health insurance and paying the government penalty?

My husband was told Home Depot is going to discontinue offering health insuance benefits and risk the government penalty. They have been discussing the option where he works, for now his company will continue as they have been to offer benefits. But, a few people at his company think it is better to risk the penalty and stop offering insurance, it would cost a lot less.

What exactly do you think will happen in the short and long run with this whole thing?

I don’t exactly understand it. If it is true that now Home Depot will no longer offer health insurance and risk a penalty, why didn’t they stop offering insurance a long time ago when there was no penalty? If my information wrong about Home Depot let me know. Why are companies like Home Depot and where my husband works even talking about it? They already offer health benefits, why is a government penalty making them rethink the matter?

Anything you know regarding this topic is appreciated.