The Supreme Court has upheld most of the President’s controversial health care law. The five to four ruling allows the government to continue implementing the law – which doesn’t take full effect until 2014. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson supported the Court’s decision. He said farmers, ranchers and rural residents face significant barriers to obtaining accessible, affordable health care. According to Johnson – the Affordable Care Act contains significant, necessary reforms that help all Americans afford insurance and the preventive care they need and provides resources to rural health care providers – among other things. American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman agrees that farmers, ranchers and rural residents need affordable and accessible health care – but says his group is concerned that mandating individuals and businesses to buy insurance will impose an expense that creates economic hardship – particularly for self-employed individuals and small businesses.

Stallman says Farm Bureau believes a primary goal of health care reform should be to reduce costs for participants. He says the plan the Supreme Court reviewed would impose a new financial burden on Farm Bureau members. Moving forward – Stallman says Farm Bureau encourages Congress and the President to work together to address remaining concerns that affect millions of small business owners and individuals throughout rural America. Johnson says Farmers Union will work with the administration to ensure the law is implemented as written.