(Editors note: First of two parts; look for part two next week.)

Even in sunny southern Arizona people still get sick, but the requirement that all U.S. citizens and legal residents have health insurance means more people may be prepared for the financial burden of illness.

But is your small business prepared for the health-care mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

Heres a look at some basics of what the ACA means to your small business:

The categories for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are: 200 or more full-time employees: must automatically enroll employees, except those who opt out; 50 to 199 employees: must offer health coverage; and, fewer than 50 are essentially exempt.

If your business isnt mandated to offer health care, that doesnt mean the ACA wont impact you if you plan to grow. The ACA makes it easier to offer any-size staff health insurance and that makes it easier to attract and hold onto top talent.

The new rules that require coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions mean that insurance companies cant charge you a higher rate if one of your employees has health problems or is already pregnant, and that may make it more affordable than before.

Jennifer Riggins, a writer for SCORE and marketing director at getapp.com offers insights on why complying with ACA now might be a good option for your small business.

First, she recommends surveying your employees to find out how many would want to enroll and what kind of coverage theyd like, helping you estimate costs.

The ACA offers incentives to small businesses who want to provide insurance. Starting in November of 2014, businesses across the country with fewer than 50 employees will be invited to shop for healthcare with the federal Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplaces (tinyurl.com/khqdor9) to compare companies and plans.

Excerpt from:

What health-care reform means to your business