Health care reform vote could be soon

It's the second attempt by House Democrats to introduce a health care reform proposal in recent months. Many expect a vote on the bill soon, possibly by the weekend.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say this new bill is significantly different than the last, but Democrats believe the proposal is getting better while Republicans say it's getting worse.

"I look at this as a new piece of legislation. I don't believe it's over yet. I think there will be some modifications to it, but along the way, I have been saying this over and over again, this is a good bill and it keeps getting better," said Rep. Steve Kagen (D-8th District).

"This bill is enormous and has been heading in the wrong direction. It is putting the government more in charge, reducing the ability for people to work and make their own decisions about their health care," said Rep. Tom Petri (R-6th District).

Like the first bill, the new one includes funding for a public health insurance option -- something most conservatives are against.

Republican Congressman Tom Petri said he has other concerns about the proposal, including a provision that will reduce the amount of money individuals can put in their health savings accounts.  Petri also said the bill will result in fewer services for the thousands of people on Medicare in the state.

Petri also told the House on Tuesday the bill is just too costly. It is estimated to cost about $1.2 trillion over 10 years.

Kagen, however, said it will drive down costs for everyone.

Kagen points to a provision that would eliminate the prescription drug coverage gap for Medicare Part D recipients by 2019. The provision also provides a 50% discount on their brand-name drugs.

Kagen also said the bill provides states with money so they can come up with ways to reduce the number of lawsuits against doctors. Many believe tort reform is critical to reducing the cost of health care.

Both sides will continue to argue their points with such an important vote looming.

The U.S. Senate still has to pass its own health care reform bill.

If different versions are passed in the House and Senate, lawmakers would have to meld their two bills together, pass a compromised bill, and then send it to the president for approval.