| The Affordable Care Act (ACA) introduces many financial complications, cost problems, and general confusion for businesses. Evidence suggests that the ACA is raising the cost of health insurance for small-business owners and their employees. Effects of the ACA on businesses vary by state, firm size, and the composition of the firm's workforces, but the impact on small businesses is especially acute. As regulations and mandates are implemented, the ACA is affecting how small businesses operate, including hiring practices, employee compensation, and growth. Given the lack of research and considerable unknowns regarding the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) impact on small business, this study explores how the ACA impacts labor and employment decisions of small businesses. This researcher answers the following overarching questions: How has the ACA impacted small-business labor and employment practices? How has the ACA impacted small-business wages? As ACA rules are implemented, most small-business employee's premiums are expected to increase and become unaffordable. Small businesses represent the majority of new jobs created in the U.S. A case study method incorporating semi-structured interviews of 13 small-business owners in the West Michigan area was used. This study targets employers with less than 50 employees. Responses to interview questions was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis methods. Based on research results, this study found negative unintended consequences resulting from the ACA, including reduced small business profitability, hindered job creation, and age discrimination. Given that the ACA was not fully implemented at the time this study was conducted, further research to confirm these findings should be considered at the time ACA is fully implemented. |
