Less angst over health care, energy at small businesses; owners more optimistic, survey says

Small business owners are less angst-ridden about health care than you might think.

Health care costs are in second place among owners' major concerns in a survey released Thursday by Bank of America. Seventy-two percent cited health care costs as a big concern, down from 74 percent in a similar survey in the spring. The No. 1 concern was the effectiveness of government leaders, cited by 74 percent versus 75 percent in the spring.

Owners are less worried about health care now that they've seen what insurance under the health care law looks like and costs. Uncertainty about the law had intensified owners' concerns. And surveys taken before the new insurance began selling last year showed owners were extremely anxious about whether the law would continue to drive premiums higher.