Changes to Medicaid and Medicare are affecting hospitals across the nation.

Recently it was announced that the changes to Medicaid and Medicare, in addition to other factors, have resulted in job losses and reduced hours at Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home.

Not only is this a cause for concern for the local community, but the nation as a whole. If health care is not available because of changes to the federal government’s health care reimbursement system, the effects could be far reaching.

Elderly people need to know that when they reach a stage in life that they can’t care for themselves any longer there is a place that can provide them with the care they need.

But, along with the aged and infirmed, all segments of the population needs access to health care.

While they may not require the same extent of care, availability is crucial.

This loss of positions at the hospital also means fewer jobs in the county, which we can’t afford to lose.

Many who live in this county drive at least 30 minutes, if not more, to get to their place of employment.

Many people and agencies are currently working hard to attract more industries that can provide higher wage jobs close to home.

In order to attract those businesses, companies need to know their employees will have access to certain things, like health care.

Maybe this negative consequence of the Medicare and Medicaid changes will cause our nation’s legislation to rethink the direction of health care.