Physician's assistant Denise Donahue with a patient at the Harbor Care Clinic in San Pedro. Photo by Brad Graverson 6-28-12 (Brad Graverson / Staff Photographer)

Tammy Sikora has sought treatment for bone problems in her neck, head and back for nearly 20 years, but only recently began to get proper medical care.

She's been turned down because she doesn't have health insurance, she said, and relies on disability payments to cover trips to physical therapy sessions and pain clinics at County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center near Torrance.

"No one would give me the care I needed because I've been uninsured," said Sikora, who is 47 and unemployed. "Had I gotten the care I needed in the past, I wouldn't have the problems I have today. ... My problems are not catching a cold or getting the flu. My problems are in my bones, and much more serious."

The Long Beach woman was among those on Thursday applauding the Supreme Court's ruling largely upholding President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law - a decision that drew varied reactions from residents, politicians, health professionals and others across the South Bay.

The court's 5-4 decision leaves intact the controversial requirement that nearly every American have health insurance, and allows the law to move forward with the goal of getting millions more insured.

"It's a good thing," said 30-year-old Jerry Hernandez, who works at a discount department store in San Pedro and is the only uninsured member of his family. "Most people have health insurance through their jobs. I don't. Everybody should have health insurance."

But even some

"It's kind of confusing to me so, when things are confusing, I just ignore it," said Jennifer Hanson, who on Thursday was visiting San Pedro's Harbor Community Clinic. "If I was able to pay for the cost of health insurance on a sliding scale, for $5 to $10 a month, of course I would."

Tamra King, the clinic's executive director, said she doesn't know whether the law will drive more patients to the already busy Sixth Street facility, which is in the midst of an expansion.

Continued here:

South Bay meets health care ruling with relief, outrage