NORTH JEFFERSON — Since Congress upheld the Affordable Care Act on June 28, the question is: Will President Barack Obama’s health care reform be for the benefit of the country? The overwhelming answer from the north Jefferson area has been “no.”

Congress first passed the health care bill in March 2010 after extensive efforts by the Obama administration. It was challenged by opponents mostly in the Republican party. Changes to the health care system should take full effect by 2014.

A key part of the law regards pre-existing conditions: The law says health insurance companies cannot deny coverage to anyone with pre-existing conditions such as cancer or diabetes.   

The penalty for not buying health insurance does not apply to those who can’t afford it. Those who can’t afford health insurance may receive subsidies. They may also be eligible for Medicaid, which can pay for insurance.

Other changes require family plans to cover dependents up to age 26. Restaurants have to list the calories of every menu item. Small businesses that employ more than 50 workers have to provide insurance coverage for all of them. Doctors are required to report gifts that they receive from medical supply companies, which includes sample drugs.

However, some doctors and business owners are saying that the bill is going too far. Some state politicians have also criticized it.

“I feel that it’s just furthering the socialization of medicine in this country and that patients in the long term will suffer because of it,” said Dr. Doug Alford, a doctor at Fultondale Internal Medicine.

Congressman Spencer Bachus, AL-6, who has been critical of the act, continues to oppose Obama’s health care plan.

“The ruling allows President Obama to impose massive new taxes to pay for his government takeover of health care,” he said in a statement. “It remains bad policy that is raising health care costs and making it harder for small businesses to provide health insurance and hire workers. My position continues to be that the best public policy is to repeal and replace the President’s health care takeover with common sense reforms that will truly make health care more affordable and accessible.”

Alabama governor Robert Bentley echoed Bachus’ sentiments.

“I am deeply disappointed by today’s Supreme Court decision,” Bentley said in a statement issued the day after the health care bill passed. “The health care law is an overreach by the federal government that creates more regulation, bureaucracy, and a dramatic increase in costs to taxpayers.  The ACA is the single worst piece of legislation to come out of Congress. This law must be repealed. People need more choices, not fewer choices.  Bigger government is not the answer.”

Some local business owners are not happy either. Jeff Dennis, who owns and operates Jeff Dennis Jewelry in Gardendale, voiced his concern.

“I really don’t feel like it’s a positive for the country as a whole,” said   Dennis. “I don’t think most of the politicians who voted for it have even read it so I don’t think anybody knows the implications of it. And I think that we’re in for a rude awakening as we further dissect and see what further costs are in this thing, so I don’t think they even know how much this is going to cost.”