Supporters and opponents weigh in on the nation’s new health care changes.

State insurance markets designed to offer coverage for individuals and separate markets for small businesses with up to 100 workers are a central part of Barack Obama’s new health care overhaul. Despite Republican opposition, the president’s Affordable Care Act is set to take full effect beginning January 1 of next year.

Beginning Obamacare

New online insurance markets are already in the process of becoming available to small business owners who wish to use them to purchase employee coverage. Under the Affordable Care Act, most small businesses are not required to provide coverage for their employees; however, the law mandates larger firms with 50 or more employees to offer coverage or pay a fine to the government. Although the mandate was originally set to take effect by the first of next year, the Obama Administration delayed it until 2015 to mitigate employer complaints.

Despite some technical glitches that have provoked delays in implementing the new health care plan, owners of small businesses that opt for online markets can still begin shopping for coverage October 1, guaranteeing coverage for their employees by January 1.

While the delay worries some backers of the new health care law, the technicalities have provided ammunition for Republicans in Congress seeking to derail—or at least stall—the full effects of Obamacare. Some Republicans are worried that the delays could cause serious detriments for individuals in immediate need of health insurance. So far, Republicans claim, every step of the implementation process has been met with setbacks.

Still, some locals are learning to be flexible during the process. “When you’re transitioning into something new, delays can al ways be expected,” says Beth Hayes, a supporter of the Affordable Care Act. “I don’t think it’s any reason to stall or say the law isn’t working as it should. It’s just gonna take some time.”

Others aren’t so sure. “I had my reservations about changing health care in this country from the beginning,” says Summer Weiss, an opponent of Obamacare. “When you’re dealing with government programs, anything can go wrong and usually does.”

Those looking to purchase health insurance can apply online, by phone, by mail, through a call center or in person. The federal government has set up insurance markets in 36 states. Small business owners in these states will be able to go online October 1 and compare health insurance options. Small business applications will be finalized in November. The individual market is also set to open on time October 1.

Facing Disappointment

Individual consumer markets will offer tax credits to help consumers afford health care. Some smaller firms with employees earning lower wages are also eligible for tax credits.

Despite the affordability, some individuals and small business owners expected more from the law.

“I think a lot of people are uneasy because every time there is a setback they say the new law isn’t working,’ says Joanne Kiser, a supporter of the health care law. “I’ll admit I’m disappointed with all the delays. I think the government should have been a little more wary when setting deadlines for when things would be completed. It will be interesting to see how this turns out in the next couple years or so.”

“I think we needed a health care system in this country to help lessen the cost of health care,” says Jonas Avery, an opponent of the law, “but I don’t think we’ll find our solution in the Affordable Care Act.”