Health overhaul could help rural residents

MILWAUKEE — Rural residents could pay less for health insurance and medical care under the new health care law, according to a report released Wednesday by the Center for Rural Affairs in Nebraska. The issue is of particular importance to rural residents because they generally pay more for health insurance and have lower incomes than people who live in or near cities, according to the report. The Affordable Care Act could help them by providing subsidies for health insurance purchased through the new online exchanges, which will allow people to comparison shop for coverage beginning Oct. 1, and by capping out-of-pocket costs for those with the lowest incomes, said the report written by Jon Bailey, director of the center's Rural Research and Analysis Program.