Robert S. Sheen, Founder & President, First Capitol Consulting, Inc.

Few pieces of legislation have triggered as much controversy as the Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare.” Some disdain it as a governmental intrusion into private decisions about healthcare, while others admire it as a much-needed reform of the nation’s healthcare system. Regardless of your view, it is now a necessary element in every CEO’s business planning.

Does your company have fewer than 50 employees? You are exempt from the ACA’s “employer responsibility” requirements, and don’t have to provide your workers with health insurance. You have a lot of company, by the way; 96% of all firms in the USA, or 5.8 million out of the 6 million employers in the nation, are exempt.