RALEIGH, N.C. - The implementation of the Affordable Care Act is expected to continue with the re-election of President Barack Obama.
With Democrats winning a stronger majority in the U.S. Senate, any challenges to Obamacare are not expected to be successful. That means Planned Parenthood and other groups that support the Affordable Care Act expect its programs to move forward, says Melissa Reed, the vice president of public affairs for Planned Parenthood.
"It's very unlikely that it will be repealed. Now we can look forward to the states setting up their exchanges and hopefully expanding their Medicaid coverage."
By 2014, North Carolina has to set up a health care exchange where groups and individuals will be able to choose health insurance plans that meet their needs and budget. If the State Assembly fails to set up an exchange in 2013, the federal government will put one together.
Reed expressed relief that Planned Parenthood, which provides preventive health services to thousands of women in North Carolina, will be protected in Obama's second term.
"Another great thing about President Obama being re-elected is that he will continue to stand firm against attacks on Planned Parenthood."
State budget cuts have limited the resources to county health departments across North Carolina. Planned Parenthood often accepts patients in counties where the wait for a health screening is several months long.
Reporting for this story by North Carolina News Connection in association with Media in the Public Interest. Media in the Public Interest is funded in part by Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation.
