Health care reform bill mixed reviews

GREEN BAY - Voters piled into Congressman Steve Kagen's office, many leaving letters about their concerns on the Democrats' latest health care reform bill.

“I think there's problems that have to be solved. But I think these problems can be solved at the state level,” said Green Bay resident Tom Sladek.

“I left a letter for Congressman Kagen saying that I think the best solutions to the health care problem are market driven,” said Green Bay resident Ross Townsend.

Kagen, who is Washington D.C., said he will have the letters faxed to him for review. But he says he feels this bill is the best one yet.

“It contains a number of things people should be happy about, particularly if you're a senior citizen and on Medicare,” said Kagen.

Kagen said the bill will lower health care costs, and eliminate deductibles and co-pays for preventative services in Medicare. But Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce President Paul Jadin disagrees. He said at least one important item is missing.

“Virtually every other conservative or business organization in the country has requested the same thing and that's tort reform. There's no reasonable effort to address defensive medicine,” said Jadin.

Kagen said studies are being done on what to do about malpractice lawsuits, and he expects the bill to be changed. While there may be disagreements on the bill, both sides agree on one thing. They want to see health care reform.

“We've certainly supported the whole notion of insurance reform which goes to expansion of coverage,” said Jadin.

“What people are saying, it's the same everywhere I go. Let's fix what's broken. Let's improve what we already have and make sure it's at a price we can afford to pay,” said Kagen.

If the House passes the bill, it will then go on to the Senate. Congressman Kagen said the Senate may not take up the House bill until next year.