Vilsack and Sebelius discuss benefits of health care reform for rural America

As the Republican-controlled House of Representative prepares to vote on a bill that would repeal the health care reform law, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack spoke out in support of the bills benefits for rural America. Vilsack's comments came in an interview with Brownfield during which he said: "Well, when you consider the number of uninsured in rural America, when you consider the fact that rural Americans spent more out of pocket for their health care costs than anyone else in America, I would make the case that this is a bill, especially now since it limits the amount of out of pocket incurred by folks, this is a bill that directly benefits people who live in rural communities, and it’s long overdue."

Vilsack pointed out that as governor of Iowa he had seen the impact in rural communities and the human cost associated with lacking health insurance, Dave Russell reports. "I’ve essentially seen the impact in rural communities when you don’t have a physician, which makes it more difficult to attract business and industry to your town," Vilsack said. "I’ve seen the impact of folks who were faced with pre-existing conditions not being able to get coverage, I’ve seen women who have foregone a mammogram because they simply couldn’t afford the cost." (Read more)

The Kansas City Star published a commentary co-written by Vilsack and U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius: "As former governors from the Heartland, we’ve seen firsthand how Americans in rural areas struggle to get the health care they need. Whether it’s a farmer losing his health insurance because he has no good choices or a mom putting off a treatment because there aren’t enough doctors nearby, rural Americans often go without critical preventive care or key procedures. And their health suffers as a result." (Read more)