Affordable Care Act Put in “Layman’s Terms” at Chamber Event
In March 2010, President Obama signed comprehensive health reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), into law. The law is intended to make preventive care more accessible and affordable for many Americans, but as most business owners can attest, its implications are far-reaching and can be difficult to understand from the business perspective.
“The Prince William Chamber of Commerce has been providing its members with a number of resources for understanding and preparing for implementation of the law,” said Chamber CEO & President Rob Clapper.
Most recently, the chamber hosted an “ACA: Next Steps for Business” breakfast. Keynote Chamber Solutions President & CEO Kenn Penn offered insight on what companies can expect and plan for in coming years. Penn was joined by a panel of topic experts: Laura Clark, Clark Benefit Services; Richard Nagel, Neighbor’s Keeper and Nathan Van Genderen, CFO, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.
In addition to providing an implementation timeline, the speakers discussed nuances of the law as it pertains to business and held an extensive question and answer session.
Benedictine Sisters of Virginia Chief Operating Officer Mary C. Finnigan said of the event, “It’s the first time I have heard someone speak on that subject that actually understands what they were saying. [Penn] did a very good job of putting it in ‘layman’s terms’.”
“We recognized quite some time ago that our members needed to hear more than just the politics of ACA. They need to know the bottom line,” said Clapper. “What does it mean for their business? What practical steps should they be taking to prepare? That is the type of information we provide for area businesses.”
Clapper added that the Prince William Chamber will continue to offer ACA updates. He encouraged business leaders to visit the event calendar on pwchamber.org to find the latest program offerings and to sign up for email updates on Chamber news and events. Next up is a Business Academy session on Oct. 10 at 7:45 am, “Navigating the Affordable Care Act,” featuring Nagel. Academy sessions are held at the Chamber headquarters, 9720 Capital Court, Suite 203 in Manassas.
Food for “Next Steps” was provided by the culinary department of Stratford University, which was also the Host Sponsor. To learn about and register for upcoming Prince William Chamber events, visit pwchamber.org/events or call 703-368-6600.
