PPACA still baffling small businesses

The survey reveals that only 18 percent of small employers believe they can confidently define or explain what a health insurance exchange is. Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) admit to not understanding exchanges at all, while 20 percent say they have only a vague understanding of the role exchanges are expected to play.

The majority also say they don't want to be forced to buy health insurance through any single source, whether through a government exchange or a private exchange. Most (71 percent) say they want the option to buy their health coverage through the source of their choice.

The survey also found that nearly a third of small businesses (27 percent) will consider dropping coverage for their employees in 2014. The majority, at 67 percent, say they don't have plans to do so, while 6 percent say they plan to stop offering coverage.

As for what impact they think reform will have on health insurance costs, 59 percent expect costs to go up. Just 11 percent expect costs to decrease, while 21 percent aren't sure.

Most small employers say they may turn to brokers and agents for help understanding reform as 72 percent say they most trust them as information sources. Others say they will turn to small business associations, insurance companies and government agencies for help.

Also read:

• Public still confused about health reform
• What you might not know about the PPACA