The Fast Facts On Health-Care Reform

Healthcare Reform Bill (Added: November 10, 2009)

Some Ohioans already are speaking against the Senate's bill that's without a public option. (more)

0 Ratings | 0 Video Views

All eyes are on Washington for signs that a health care plan will make it to the President's desk after an historic vote in the House this weekend. Now, the battle has been turned over to the Senate.

By: NBC4i Staff | NBC4i.com
Published: November 10, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- All eyes are on Washington for signs that a health care plan will make it to the President's desk after an historic vote in the House this weekend. Now, the battle has been turned over to the Senate.

NBC 4 got the FAST FACTS on the debate:

- Both versions of the bill offer no cancellations by insurance companies for pre-existing conditions.

- Some Democratic Senators say they will block debate on the public option which passed in the House.

- There is discussion of tougher restrictions on government-funded abortions.

- Senators want to tax high-cost private insurance plans.

NBC 4 got a local view on healthcare reform.
According to the Ohio State Medical Association, a group that represents physicians, care given to senior citizens could be compromised under the House bill.

Tim Maglione explained the Medicare payment system needs to be fixed because payments aren't keeping up with increases in practice expenses.

"Because the bill didn't fix the Medicare payment formula, it ultimately could result in less access for the nation's seniors," said Maglione.

The OSMA supports access to health care for all Americans, but it does not support the public option that is presented in the House bill. The same public option does not appear in the Senate version.

Some Central Ohioans see the need for a government-run program.

"I know there are people out there who don't have insurance. They're begging as best they can to pay their medical bills," resident Steve Dykes said.

The cost of health-care reform is another hot topic. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the House bill would cost more than $1 trillion over 10 years. It would cover 96 percent of Americans.

The Senate finance committee bill would cost $829 billion over 10 years. It would cover 94 percent of Americans.

For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video