FIN3403 Topic Paper Assignment Health Care Reform Fall 2012 Topic: Economic Impact of Health Care Reform

m Assignment Introduction: In 2010 Congress, with the backing of President Obama, passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The act aims mainly at decreasing the number of uninsured Americans and the cost of health care. This is the largest overhaul of health care in American history, and could have some serious implications for the US economy. First, we will look into an overview of the Affordable Care Act and how this law will affect your medical coverage. We will also discuss any possible impact on the US economy. Due to its controversial nature, this law was brought before the Supreme Court to determine its constitutionality. The Court upheld the law on the basis that the penalty you would pay for not being insured is a "tax." We will then discuss this. Next you will analyze some opposing viewpoints on how health care reform will affect the business. We will close with a discussion of your own views on the topic. Please read the following three articles for a basic overview of health care reform: Article: Health care reform stands: how it impacts your coverage Source and Date: CNN Money; June 29, 2012 Topic: How the Supreme Court decision to uphold President Obamas health care reform affects Americans health insurance coverage Article: Health care reform may help... or hurt Source and Date: CNN Money; June 18, 2012 Topic: An overview of potential consequences of health care reform Article: What the Supreme Court ruled on health care tax Source and Date: CNN; July 5, 2012 Topic: An explanation of the Supreme Courts ruling on health care reform Write a substantive summary on all three items. (1 page total for this section). Conduct a basic Google search, or use any other search engine, publications, or resources and summarize two primary articles offering opinions on health care reform and its economic effect. Both articles may share similar opinions but should be for somewhat different reasons. Write one substantive paragraph for each article. (12 1 page total for this section). Note: Wikipedia is not an acceptable source. Please read the following four articles: Article: Opposing Views: Voices on Health-Care Reform Source and Date: March 27, 2012 Topic: Presents two opposing views on how health care reform will effect business Article: Businesses Ponder Impact of Health-Care Reform Source and Date: March 29, 2012 Topic: Small businesses weigh their options with healthcare reform

2 1. How do you think the Affordable Care Act (President Obamas health care reform) will impact the US economy as a whole? 2. How do you think the Affordable Care Act will impact small business? 3. Do you agree with the Supreme Court that the penalty for forgoing health insurance is a tax? Why or why not? 4. All in all, do you think that the Affordable Care Act (health care reform) is a positive or

negative change for the United States? Why? 5. Would you make any changes to the Affordable Care Act? If so, what?