The Supreme Court's decision affirming the constitutionality ofU.S. healthcare reform removes much uncertainty and clears the wayfor employers to prepare for various requirements of the law thattake effect next year and in 2014.

Some uncertainty still exists. In response to the SupremeCourt's decision, Mitt Romney and Republican congressional leaderspromised to overturn healthcare reform, making it clear the lawwill be a major issue in the November elections.

“There's no question that this is an issue that will beamplified in the months between now and November,” says PaulDennett, senior vice president of health care reform at theAmerican Benefits Council. “Really it moves from a decision by ninemembers of the court to the American voter to decide what happensnext.”