In March 2010 the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law. The healthcare reform legislation addresses problems small business owners face, including soaring healthcare costs and limited choice among health plans.

The new law will be implemented over a five-year period (2010-2014) to avoid disruption to the existing system and make the transition as smooth as possible. It will build upon the existing employer-based system, but institute changes designed to rein in costs for small business.