Affordable Healthcare

New Healthcare Laws and their Effect on Companies and Individuals

There has been much discussion over the new healthcare laws under the Affordable Care Act that took effect on October 1st of this year. Many companies are asking some tough question about what has been coined Obama care. Questions range from “Will businesses decline to hire so they can take advantage of favorable rules for small businesses? Will they shift workers to part time to avoid coverage mandates? Will small business owners facing tax increases, be less incline to invest? The only question for the individual is will they have coverage.

So what are the answers? Let’s start with how Obama care will affect the average American. The biggest positive of Obama care to the individual is that it will make it easier for everyone to obtain healthcare. Millions of people who couldn’t afford healthcare can go to a government website and find new healthcare plans under the public exchange program, that are affordable to even the unemployed. Eligible uninsured Individuals will be given up to a $5,000 subsidy to buy private coverage. Which, leads to the other positive of Obama care for the individual, employees that retain their jobs simply to have health coverage can now have more options as far as where they are employed or whether to start their own business. According to the Business Insider “Workers will find it easier change jobs, and to enter and leave the labor force at will, without worrying that doing so will cause them to lose access to health insurance.” (J. Barro, 2013).

This change to health insurance has tipped the balance in favor of the employee. This has many business owners and politicians concerned about the effect to the work force. The Congressional Budget Office stated, “Increasing the availability of health insurance that is not related to employment could lead more people to retire before 65 or choose not to work at younger ages.” (J. Barro, 2013). There are a few companies that...