The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling Thursday on the Affordable Care Act was predictably welcomed by some in Northern Colorado and viewed with concern by others.

The Health District of Northern Larimer County, which provides an array of medical services, was glad to see the law upheld, according to spokesman Richard Cox.

The legislation will help thousands of people who need access to affordable health care get what they need, though there is still work to be done, he said.

"The Health District's interest in affordable care began before the legislation was passed and it does not stop here," Cox said.

Jennifer Morse, vice president of development for Salud Family Health Centers, which runs nine medical clinics in Colorado, including several in Larimer and Weld counties, said she was "thrilled" by the decision.

Half of Salud's patients are uninsured, so the decision ensures that the nonprofit will receive more payment for its services than it has in the past. Even though patients still pay for a portion of their care, Salud currently must offset its losses through grants and fundraisers.

Additionally, more patients will gain access to Medicaid because states will be eligible for