Experts disagree on health law's effects on jobs

San Francisco Chronicle/Investopia: "There is profound disagreement about healthcare reform's overall impact on jobs. … While the net effect on jobs remains uncertain, it is clear that certain professions will do better than others." Among the specific job categories likely do well are insurance agents, who "may get a boost since approximately 32 million uninsured Americans will be required to buy health insurance starting in 2014. … Certain doctors can look forward to increases in Medicare payments under the health reform law. According to the American Medical Association, family medicine, internal medicine, geriatric and pediatric physicians will be eligible for 10% incentive payments from 2011-2016 if they meet certain requirements. The somewhat unlikely winners in the health reform law may be entrepreneurs and other self-employed persons" (Fontinelle, 4/26).

Gillford (N.H.) Steamer: "With the passage of the Healthcare Reform bill in March, the general public, hospitals, and local providers will start to see some changes, but healthcare professionals say the long-term effects of the bill are uncertain. … Vice President and CFO Henry Lipman of LRGHealthcare said some immediate changes will affect hospitals, and some will be more positive than others. ... Although the financial impact on local hospitals may be a downside to the bill, Lipman said certain items in the bill will 'enhance' healthcare and allow for millions to obtain insurance coverage. He added that there would be some reimbursement protections for hospitals and that tax incentives for smaller businesses may help employees maintain their insurance" (Tiner, 4/28).