ANALYSIS OF SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT: EVIDENCE FROM WISCONSIN FARMERS
ANALYSIS OF SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT: EVIDENCE FROM WISCONSIN FARMERS

Summary/Abstract: With the successful passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), experts in healthcare, policy makers, and the general public continue to debate the financial effects of health care reform on the US economy. Prior to the enactment of the ACA, an overwhelming majority of Americans recognized the need for healthcare reform but also expressed their concern about whether the new legislation will properly address the fundamental issues of quality and affordability. In a survey of Wisconsin farm owners, we find that 88.2% of respondents agree that America’s healthcare system needs reform. However, 56.7% of them report not making any plans to accommodate changes in healthcare reform mandated by the ACA. Based on their knowledge of the ACA, about 52 % of the respondents are less likely to provide their employees with health insurance in the future. Undoubtedly, farm owners at the lower end of income spectrum express the most significant concern over the financial impact of the impending implementation of the law. In contrast, employers who are discontent with the current health care system and those who are not taking any steps to comply with the new law are the most optimistic about the ACA

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