Heavy taxation, socialized medicine and loss of choice are criticisms being thrown out to describe the health care reform bill being worked on by different Congressional subsets. Senator Russ Feingold understands no finished proposal gives rise to fear.
"It's not people's fault they are reacting that way because they don't know," says Feingold.
The Wisconsin Democrat says the idea that some will be denied care by government bureaucrats through rationing is not accurate. He "guarantees" if there is rationing, it would need to be removed from the measure.
Although some, especially progressives, are calling for a single payer system, Feingold stands by the public option approach as the more realistic approach to getting passed. Public option would allow people to select a government health program in place of their private insurer.
However, some GOP lawmakers are now pushing for non-profit cooperatives that would compete with private insurance companies.
Despite President Obama's request to have a health care deal ironed out before recess in August, negotiations Washington will likely into December, says Feingold. He says now is a great opportunity for citizens to contact Congressional members not just from Wisconsin but all over regarding the bill.
AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (MP3 :63)
