The United States Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act will impact each one of us in some way.
Many are hoping it will ease the burden placed on emergency rooms and free clinics that are often the only sources of health care for the uninsured.
"I actually really haven't had health insurance since 2007," said Linda Steadman, a patient at the Free Medical Clinic of America in South Knoxville. "I was in pain the other night and I thought, 'I can't afford to go to the emergency room.' So this clinic has been a blessing to help with things like that."
Dr. Tom Kim gave up his private practice 16 years ago to start the clinic. His goal was to help the growing population of uninsured and underinsured working East Tennesseans. For years he's hoped for a system to fix the problem.
"Why can't it change? Let's do it! We'll all work together," Dr. Kim said.
On Thursday, Dr. Kim said the Supreme Court took a big step in the right direction by upholding the health care overhaul.
Another philanthropist, with a similar mission, agrees the law has some positive attributes. But Remote Area Medical's Stan Brock says it's lacking.
"The big question really is how is this going to affect the 30 million Americans or so that come to Remote Area Medical events. And unfortunately I don't think it will make any difference what so ever," said Brock, the founder of the Knoxville-based non-profit.
Millions of people wait hours to at RAM's clinics around the country and the world. Brock said 85 percent of them come for dental and vision services.
"Unless legislation takes care of providing dentistry and vision care for the millions of Americans that simply can't afford it. Then we're in the same boat we've been in for decades and decades. I'm afraid," Brock said.
Dr. Kim also has concerns. Even though everyone will be required to have insurance, he doesn't think everyone will be able to afford it.
"It doesn't matter. There is always a crack or portion [that need help] no matter what. Somebody has to take care of them," said Dr. Kim.
He said as long as there are patients, he'll be there to help them.
Dr. Kim also hoped for more regulation regarding smoking and obesity, the number one causes of diabetes.