US Healthcare Reform Opposition Continues, But Businesses May Not Be Interested


While contentious debate continues after the historic Supreme Court decision upholding the US Affordable Care Act, most businesses are more focused on preparing for compliance when the law comes into effect. Some businesses certainly opposed the act and the potential increases in cost that might result, but many prefer the stability of planning for the future to further talk of opposition. Here’s where we stand and what you need to know.

Healthcare & Opposition

It ain’t over yet. Listen to talk from quarters that long opposed the controversial US healthcare overhaul, which includes some mandates for small to medium sized businesses, and you’ll hear discussion of everything from possible repeal after the 2012 Presidential election to vague discussion about how opposition from states and the public will make it unworkable. But businesses must be prepared. National Review

Repeal talk rejected. Whether they approved of it or not, most businesses breathed a sigh of relief when healthcare reform was finally upheld by the US Supreme Court. That’s because what businesses crave most is certainty and the ability to plan for the future. But talk of repeal is bringing all that uncertainty back. CNN Money

Adjusting to Reality

Insuring success. The decision on healthcare affects small businesses that may now be forced to make tough new decisions on their healthcare spending. There’s also a huge change coming for the insurance industry itself, as everyone from big insurance companies to small agencies learns a new approach to marketing. Econsultancy

The good, the bad, and the ugly. While opponents of the new healthcare law say the requirements will likely make it harder for small businesses to hire, some business owners may actually benefit through the formation of new healthcare exchanges in each state offering a regulated, competitive marketplace where individuals and businesses of up to 100 employees can purchase insurance. The Epoch Times

Affordable Care Act Basics

Facts and figures. With a court decision behind us (and barring the success of a repeal effort by opponents) there are now quite a few things both business owners and individuals can and should plan for as implementation of the new healthcare law moves forward. Here’s a fact sheet that will answer some of the basic questions. CBS News

There’s gold in that thar’ healthcare. Well, not gold really, but there is certainly some money to be made, claims columnist and business owner Gene Marks. From grabbing some tax credits to doing business with the exchanges and even getting rid of your health insurance all together, here are some things Gene suggests you consider as the Affordable Care Act goes into effect. Huffington Post

Looking Deeper

New law makes for mixed results. With the Affordable Care Act decided upon, many are taking a closer look at the already existing healthcare mandate in Massachusetts to gain some understanding about how small business owners will be faring in the rest of the country, once the law goes into effect. The results, as might be expected, are mixed. The Christian Science Monitor

The sunny side of the street. Not every business group is bemoaning the decision to uphold healthcare reform. As a matter of fact, John Arensmeyer, founder and chief executive of Small Business Majority, a California-based organization advocating for businesses with 100 or fewer employees, insists the results for those businesses will all be positive. Let’s hope he’s right. The Washington Post

An owner’s perspective. While some small business owners clearly aren’t happy about a slew of mandates that come with the healthcare ruling, some business owners, like Tammy Krings, believe the law will actually help hold her premiums down by prodding younger, healthier workers to sign up for coverage, thus offsetting costs. MSNBC.com

Around the World

With broad strokes. Paint it any way you like, the new US healthcare reform represents an increased cost for at least some small businesses at a very hard economic time. A recent survey suggests some small business owners are even going without paychecks while countries like the UK are trying to improve the outlook for entrepreneurs. International Business Times

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  1. It is important that the debate will continue about “ObamaCare”. Coming from a country (Sweden) with socialized medicine, almost every so called “stake holder” took subsidized healthcare for granted, without asking who should pay for it. I am glad to see that you have ad hoc groups like Americans for Free Choice in Medicine (AFCM) and Freedom and Individual Rights in Medicine (FIRM), spreading better ideas.

    It is understandable that companies are preparing for the new regulations and planning ahead. But for how long will companies take it? Shouldn’t it be up to the individual business owner and recipient to decide?

    Again, thanks for a great selection of posts and articles covering this issue. It is a great with weekly wrap of news related to the small business field.

  2. “While some small business owners clearly aren’t happy about a slew of mandates that come with the healthcare ruling, some business owners, like Tammy Krings, believe the law will actually help hold her premiums down by prodding younger, healthier workers to sign up for coverage, thus offsetting costs.” I think we just need to see the other side of the coin to fully understand this issue. Thanks for the superb list!