A report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicts that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) may result in some Americans choosing to work less. According to the report, they may choose to work less (meaning, presumably, in paid employment) because they don’t have to remain in a job solely to gain health insurance. The report raises interesting questions.

First, why have we allowed health insurance to be tied to jobs? This results in unenthusiastic workers who can’t change to jobs more suitable to their interests. Corporations also must compete on the world market with corporations from Europe and other countries who don’t need to pay for this insurance because their governments provide it.

Second, why is health care so expensive in the United States? Canada and other advanced countries have, studies indicate, healthier populations than the U.S., but at less cost. Apparently, many Americans could afford to work less at paying jobs if they were guaranteed insurance for unexpected medical expenses.(Obviously, the working poor need all the work they can find.)

Third, why will workers supposedly work less? Do they plan to watch more TV in their extra hours? Or do some wish to spend more time with their children? Or take care of elderly parents? Or engage in civic or charitable work? Or experiment with a business of their own? Or write a novel?

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, work has narrowed to fit one pattern for men and eventually for women who entered the labor force in increasing numbers. Everyone works a certain number of hours per week, period. Special arrangements have to be made for sickness, family emergencies, time off to explore other interests, or extreme weather.

The changes in health insurance could present an opportunity to define new work patterns. Such patterns might allow Americans flexible work schedules and hours more suited to individual goals and the unpredictable world they live in.