A free training was held in the River Valley today to help area business owners and employees navigate the Affordable Care Act.
Nathan George, Director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Arkansas Tech University, met with nearly a dozen people at the Van Buren Library to answer questions about the new federal health plan and how it applies to businesses.
"Mainly, we're focusing today on rules and regulations that apply, not only to small businesses but large businesses as well," said George. "We've had lots of people in our office that have over a hundred employees and they've been very concerned about it. We work with them as well as those with one or two employees."
Gary Bobo was one of the attendees. As an independent insurance agent, he said it's crucial he knows about the changing rules so he can deliver the information to his clients.
"When I'm out there visiting people, I'm confronted with a lot of questions, and I need the information as updated as I can get to see if any timelines have changed or other things that may affect them," said Bobo.
Missy Stout with American Energy Guard in Van Buren said she's done a lot of research on the changing law, but there are still some uncertainties.
"I've heard of people who have had their insurance canceled," she said. "So that's one of the reasons (I'm here), to find out what all exactly needs to be done and what all is acceptable."
George said the center serves nine counties. The center will host a training for businesses Jan. 28 at the Springdale Chamber of Commerce and March 6 at the Fort Smith Public Library.