Criticisms of health care reform plan

With different versions of a health care plan making its way through Congress, its no wonder constituents and congressmen at town hall meetings are interpreting what's at stake differently.

One big concern is a government program might ration health care and some individuals might not get what they need or want. U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen, D-8th Dist., says that's not true.

“That is not the intent of this piece of legislation these new ideas about health care reform are to fix what's broken and keep what works. And improve it at a lower cost,” said Kagen.

But U.S. Rep. Tom Petri, R-6th Dist., points out rationing takes place now for example with who gets shots or organ donations. And he says if funding for health care reform isn't there we could see more.

“There's not enough money to pay for what's being promised and we could go to rationing or delays, waiting for service,” said Petri.

Another concern is the reform encourages euthanasia for seniors. Not true. The plan does outline paying doctors for consulting with patients about private end-of-life decisions... In what is described as "Advanced planning consultations."

“You talk about misrepresenting what is real this was a republican idea it is a fantastic idea for the very first time Medicare would compensate a doctor for sitting down to listen to the choices that his or her patients wants to make,” said Kagen.

Petri says many of the provisions in the plan are undefined, and constituents are coming forth with the right concerns.

“I think people are trying to understand what it is and how it will work,” said Petri.

“I'd say don't scare people reassure them with the facts, the truth,” said Kagen.

The $1-trillion cost also remains a criticism. Kagen says the plan will stimulate the economy and create jobs, Petri says just the opposite.

“This is going to be the biggest stimulus without taxing anybody--without taking 99% of the people,” said Kagen.

“I don't really thing we should be approaching health care reform as a temporary economic stimulus package, it's an ongoing human need,” said Petri.

Click here to visit the White House’s Web site dealing with questions and concerns about what's in the health care reform plan.