Exactly half of small business owners surveyed late last year say health care costs are a major concern, according to a new survey.

Only credit issues were more challenging to the 1,356 small business employers surveyed between Nov. 15 and Dec. 2, 2010 by CareerBuilder.

Last month, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives suggested that the federal health reform law passed in March 2010 did little to correct cost concerns for small businesses, and approved a repeal bill. The Senate, controlled by Democrats, did not agree, killing the bill last week.

In the survey, other concerns included government regulations (27%), marketing expenses and building awareness (26%), and attracting and hiring top talent (19%).