The good news for many with health care reform is that if you couldn't get coverage before, you might be able to in a year.
But the question is, once reforms kick in in 2014, will there be enough doctors around to cover all the extra people seeking health care?
And if not, where will they go?
Peter Cunningham, Center for Studying Health Systems Change: "In the fresno area, what makes it even more problematic is that it's a place that has a high poverty rate, a high percentage of uninsured, and a high percentage of people enrolled in Medi-Cal."
...and Medi-Cal pays doctors a lot less than private insurance.
The Center for Studying Health Systems Change calls this a "poor-payer" mix, and explains it's why physicians aren't wildly attracted to the central valley.
There are high poverty and uninsurance rates, and health care is still needed, but but how does it get paid for?
The Fresno County Health Department had an opportunity to set up a low income health program, to make coverage more efficient, but the county couldn't afford it.
Analysts say these obstacles could mean longer waits at the doctor's office.
"You're going to see a lot of them go to the hospital emergency department in the area because they either can't find a primary care physician to go to, or there's going to be a long appointment waiting time."
Analysts say another thing you'll see, is something many are seeing now, and that's doctors who are too busy to accept new patients.
The Fresno County Health Department says local efforts are under way to ensure a smooth transition to health care reform in 2014.
TXT 24
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