No matter what the Supreme Court decides over the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, its economic costs are substantial. Here are five ways in which it will or already is slowing down the economic recovery.

1. Starting in 2014, the hiring of a company’s 50th worker will cost an extra $40,000 per year. PPACA raises employment costs by requiring employers to offer qualifying insurance coverage or else pay a penalty. Because this requirement will apply only to firms with more than 49 full-time employees, it will discourage the hiring of full-time workers. Firms with more than 49 workers will have to pay $2,000 a year for each employee without qualifying coverage (the first 30 workers are exempt).