The historic Supreme Court decision last week upholding almost all of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act prompted Jon Bailey, director of research and analysis at the Center for Rural Affairs, to point out the law's very rural focus. He said it "talks about the rural health-care infrastructure system, how we pay for that, how we incentivize that, and how we get people to become health-care professionals in rural areas." Bailey told Janell Baum of Farm Futures that several provisions of the act specifically address rural health facilities, financial assistance to bring in extra doctors and hospital staff, and funding for preventive services. He said provisions in the insurance portion of the law may also help more rural businesses and farms find ways to insure their employees.
Bailey acknowledged that along with these benefits come significant funding challenges. "I think that is may be the next big part of health care," he said. "We are probably never going to reverse the costs, but how can we control it? The ACA doesn't really address that but that’s the next big issue on the horizon."
American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman told Baum his federation is "concerned" about potential increases in costs for businesses and individuals, and fears the law would "impose a new financial burden on our members." Stallman called for a market-based reform, encouraging Congress and President Obama to address remaining concerns. The more liberal National Farmers Union supported the findings of the Supreme Court, and praised the "significant, necessary reforms that help all Americans … afford insurance and the preventive care they need," Baum reports.
Bailey acknowledged that along with these benefits come significant funding challenges. "I think that is may be the next big part of health care," he said. "We are probably never going to reverse the costs, but how can we control it? The ACA doesn't really address that but that’s the next big issue on the horizon."
American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman told Baum his federation is "concerned" about potential increases in costs for businesses and individuals, and fears the law would "impose a new financial burden on our members." Stallman called for a market-based reform, encouraging Congress and President Obama to address remaining concerns. The more liberal National Farmers Union supported the findings of the Supreme Court, and praised the "significant, necessary reforms that help all Americans … afford insurance and the preventive care they need," Baum reports.
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