ROSELAND, N.J., June 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly released ADP Research Institute(SM) [ survey ] reveals that a majority of Human Resource and benefits decision makers at U.S. companies of all sizes believe the U.S. health care landscape is going through profound change. In addition, a significant number of these decision makers expressed a lack of confidence that their organizations clearly understand their new responsibilities under the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The study also found that preparedness for key upcoming ACA regulations varies greatly across different sized companies.

ADP recently surveyed more than 800 Human Resource and benefits decision makers in U.S. organizations of all sizes in order to gauge employers' attitudes and behaviors regarding the future of health care benefits in general and impending ACA regulations in particular. While decision makers at small businesses (1-49 employees) were the most vocal in confirming their belief that the U.S. health care landscape is undergoing profound change (64 percent), 52 percent of their counterparts at midsized (50-999 employees) and large (1000+ employees) organizations hold the same view.

"The ADP Research Institute's recent survey clearly shows that confusion and lack of preparedness surrounding ACA provisions is a widespread issue for U.S. companies of every size, although small and midsized companies seem particularly challenged," said Jan Siegmund, Chief Strategy Officer of ADP. "For example, our study shows that half or more of small and midsized companies are unprepared to meet the newly-required summary of benefits and coverage required by the ACA."

According to the ADP Research Institute survey, just 40 percent of respondents from large organizations are very confident about their understanding of employer requirements under the ACA, while even fewer respondents in small companies (20 percent) and midsized companies (17 percent) expressed that same level of confidence. Moreover, a majority of Human Resource and benefits decision makers at small and midsized companies (67 percent and 62 percent respectively) indicated they are unaware of the upcoming employee notification requirement about public exchanges. Thirty-two percent of survey respondents from large organizations indicated a similar lack of awareness.

In terms of being ready to provide the newly required summary of benefits and coverage, 66 percent of large companies, 50 percent of midsized companies and just 31 percent of small businesses say they are prepared.

To view these and other key findings from the study, please visit: [ http://www.adp.com/pdf/KeyFindingsShiftingUSHealthcareLandscape.pdf ]

About the Survey

The ADP Research Institute conducted an online survey of 827 Human Resource and benefits decision makers at small, midsized and large U.S. enterprises in May 2012. Respondents were key decision makers for critical employee benefits policy changes and/or major benefits system/service purchases within their enterprises. The resulting data for small, midsized and large companies achieved statistical reliability at the 95 percent confidence level.

About the ADP Research Institute(SM)

The ADP Research Institute is a specialized group within ADP that provides insights to leaders in both the private and public sectors around issues of human capital management, employment trends and workforce strategy. Combining ADP's worldwide expertise in human capital management with a unique approach to identifying and analyzing trends that shape the working world, the ADP Research Institute transforms insights into information, tools and guidance that organizations can use to run their businesses more efficiently, including helping to navigate regulatory changes.

About ADP

[ Automatic Data Processing ], Inc. (NASDAQ: [ ADP ]), with about $10 billion in revenues and approximately 570,000 clients, is one of the world's largest providers of business outsourcing solutions. Leveraging over 60 years of experience, ADP offers a wide range of [ human resource ], [ payroll ], [ tax ] and [ benefits administration solutions ] from a single source. ADP's easy-to-use solutions for employers provide superior value to companies of all types and sizes. ADP is also a leading provider of integrated computing solutions to [ auto, truck, motorcycle, marine, recreational vehicle, and heavy equipment dealers ] throughout the world. For more information about ADP or to contact a local ADP sales office, reach us at 1.800.225.5237 or visit the company's Web site at [ www.ADP.com ].

Contact:

Jim Larkin
ADP
(973) 407-9714
[ jim.larkin@adp.com ]

SOURCE Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

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HR and Benefits Decision Makers Believe U.S. Health Care Landscape is Experiencing Profound Change

ADP Survey: HR and Benefits Decision Makers Believe U.S. Health Care Landscape is Experiencing Profound Change

Survey Respondents Admit to a Significant Lack of Clarity and Understanding Around their New Responsibilities under the Affordable Care Act