SALT LAKE CITY Beginning next month, employers large and small will start open enrollment for health care benefits a process that will involve the implementation of the controversial Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

While passage of the law requiring most employers to provide health insurance has been seen by some as a major victory for workers, the reality of putting the plan into place has been a big headache for many companies forced to follow the 2,700-page measure that even members of Congress have said they don't completely understand.

The aim of the ACA, also known as Obamacare, is to increase the quality and affordability of health insurance, lower the uninsured rate by expanding public and private insurance coverage, and reduce the costs of health care for individuals and the government.

However, some critics argue the measure could increase insurance premiums for many employers and individuals because the law requires insurance companies to cover all applicants within new minimum standards and offer the same rates regardless of pre-existing conditions or age.

Speaking Tuesday at a news conference at the annual Small Business Summit at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake Chamber president and CEO Lane Beattie said the new law will be a big change from the way employer-based health insurance has been handled traditionally.

This is a significant shift in the way that we have done health care in this country for many, many years, Beattie said.

Eric Sessions, co-owner of Intelitechs

According to a survey conducted by the Cicero Group for SelectHealth, 90 percent of local business leaders say it's very important to provide health care for their employees, but the ACA is perceived negatively by the majority of businesses.

Many are unhappy because they have to comply with confusing and unfamiliar rules and regulations, said Greg Matis, senior counsel for SelectHealth.

Matis said some business owners believe the ACA will cause greater confusion for employees health coverage, largely due to more paperwork and hassle.

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Utah businesses prepare for effects health care act