East Coast politics have become an issue ‘down on the farm’ in Montana. The Massachusetts election results are being called a sign that health care reform is dead, or may need to start over. But, John Crabtree, a director for the Center for Rural Affairs, says those comments ignore the fact that reform is still on the top of the wish list for rural Montanans, who, unlike most urban Americans, do not have coverage through a workplace.

“The legislation on the table is nowhere near perfect, but they do address that affordability for the lion’s share of people currently struggling with it. What we need to do is move it forward.”

The reality that farmers, ranchers and small business owners have been facing can’t be ignored, says Crabtree, and reform is the only solution.

“In Montana, the backbone of the rural economy can’t afford a thousand dollars a month for a high-deductible, low-benefits insurance package. It’s just not sustainable.”

The current legislation is a “first step” in the reform process, he adds, which leaves room and time to continue to work on what’s best for people and most fiscally responsible.

Listen to the Big Sky Connection podcast podcast by Deborah Smith.