Analysts predict private sector will push reform if ACA overturned

The prevailing sentiment among health care experts is that if the Supreme Court strikes down the ACA, the private sector will likely lead the next round of efforts to reform the health system, not government (Source: “Obamacare collapse would put employers in charge,” Associated Press via Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 24, 2012).

"Employers had been the major force driving health care change in this country up until the passage of health reform," said Tom Billet, a senior benefits consultant with Towers Watson, which advises major companies. "If Obamacare disappears ... we go back to square one. We still have a major problem in this country with very expensive health care."

Tracy Watts, a senior health care consultant with Mercer, which advises many large employers, agreed.

"With or without health care reform, employers are committed to offering health care benefits and want to manage costs," Watts said. "The health care reform law itself has driven employers, as well as the provider community, to advance some bolder strategies for cost containment."