Health care reform still a hot topic

About 200 people showed up at the Brown County Library on Saturday to hear first hand where lawmakers are at, in terms of coming up with a health care reform proposal.

The forum was hosted by the League of Women Voters.

"We were pleased. We do hope people went away feeling like they got some answers," said Joyce McCollum, the President of the League of Women Voters in Green Bay.

Rep. Steve Kagen (D-8th District) led the discussion. Kagen still believes a government health care option is necessary -- even though other democratic lawmakers have backed off of the idea.

"I think it is one of the ways you can create a level playing field and a competitive marketplace," said Kagen.

Cheryl Detrick, of Green Bay, isn't 100% convinced but she said it's worth a shot.

"I just think the time is now. We've talked about it too long and prices have gone up so much," said Detrick.

Mike Keene, however, believes government intervention will lead to a lower quality of care.

"Congress is not willing to sign up for this public option that they are willing to force on other people. That tells me Congress does not believe in the product that they are trying to push off on other people. That, to me, is wrong," said Keene, of Green Bay.

A handful of democrats are now in favor of a plan that promotes insurance co-ops. Some argue the government will still play a role in the process.

"The biggest concern that I have is people are trying to look to the government for answers in a situation that is more personal," said Jay Snell, of Green Bay.

Kagen said reform is needed with or without a government insurance option.

"I want the price to be openly disclosed, where you get to pay the lowest prices available for that prescription drug, for that MRI, for that doctor visit and certainly at the hospital," said Kagen.

Both the House and Senate each have to pass their own proposal first. Then a conference committee will start hammering out the differences between the two. Votes are expected later this month.

Rep. Tom Petri (R-6th District) is against a government insurance option. Petri has said there isn't enough money to pay for what is being promised.