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Health care bill good for rural America

As Congress considers repealing the Health Care bill, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is speaking out in support of it, especially when it comes to rural America.

“Well when you consider the number of uninsured in rural America, when you consider the fact that rural American’s 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,” said the Agriculture Secretary.

And Vilsack speaks from experience, the Secretary tells Brownfield that as the former Governor of Iowa he’s seen the impact in rural communities and the human cost associated.

“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 you 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 simple couldn’t afford the cost.”

And the Ag Secretary adds that farmers and small business owners need the tax credit for insurance premiums because of the drain it has on the bottom line.

Interview: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack (5:20 MP3)