But in the back of my mind has been the thought of how Obamacare will change the job market. Here's a quote from the NYT that sums it up pretty well:
“With coverage,” she said, “I can be my best self. Health insurance won’t control my job choices.”While we've all been focused on those who didn't have insurance or were covered by junk plans, I suspect that this law will also shake things up for many people who have felt that their job choices were limited due to the fact that their health insurance was tied to their employment.
For example, how many people have avoided starting their own business because to leave their current position would mean losing their health insurance? How about all those who might take early retirement (creating job openings for younger workers) if they could find affordable health care prior to Medicare eligibility?
As people begin to become aware of their options as a result of Obamacare, I believe these numbers will grow...opening up a whole range of possibilities for impact on economic development and employment opportunities. That's a story that isn't being told right now, but something to keep an eye on.
There will also be an increase in demand for x-ray techs, hosptial linen service, tongue depressors, latex gloves, transcriptionists, phlebotomists, etc. There will be a significant injection of demand into the economy resulting in a wave of hiring as a ton more people make doctor visits than ever before.
ReplyDeleteThe President has said that before we can even talk about universal healthcare in this country, we must first decouple health insurance from the workplace. This is the first step in that process.
ReplyDeleteFor those who cannot think outside of the situation that they're in now, a lot of them are in for a pleasant surprise.
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