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Doctors react to healthcare ruling
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld virtually all of President Obama's historic health care law. That includes the hotly debated individual mandate requiring all American's to have health insurance.
Now that's it's passed, the health care law is on its way to the ultimate panel. The law will soon be in the hands of doctors, state officials and families striving to fulfill its purpose all while still unraveling the details. While many doctors are in favor of the plan, there are still several shades of gray. "As providers of women's health care it does offer some important advancements in coverage for women," said Dr. Tyler Adam, M.D., Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Hastings. The new health care law allows men and women across the country to have access to medical care that hasn't been available in the past. "As far as Nebraska is concerned, I think the doctors will stay busy, I think the hospitals will stay busy. There will be a lot of job opportunities for nurses," said Dr. Richard French, M.D., Hastings Internal Medicine Association. But Senator Les Seiler of Hastings says it's not all good news. "I assume we'll have to appropriate some money at a time when the budget is really in a crisis situation, with school aid being at the top of the list," said Seiler. "Much of this new health care expansion is going to go through the Medicaid system. The states will have to pay for that. State taxes will have to go up to pay for that," French said. And local doctors say the costs will go up in the waiting room as well. "If we're seeing more people it seems clear the costs are going to go up as the number of patients go up. So, I think that's the real issue," said Adam. But one factor that may bring down the bill? "Competition across state lines. I think competition will reduce the cost of insurance," Seiler said. The United States is one of the unhealthiest countries in the world. But will this new health care law make us a healthier nation? "It certainly is a possibility. If we can get people to see a medical provider on a more regular basis than they're likely to lead healthier lives," said Adam. "But one of the things that's making Americans more unhealthy is the obesity epidemic and this health care law is not going to solve that problem," said French. "Getting people to be educated as to what to eat, what not to eat is probably more important than trying to pass laws to that effect," said Seiler. The United States health care system ranks 37th in the world. The new law will expand health care to around |
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