WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Virginia lawmakers react to President Obama's Health care plan
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"Some of the plans that they've come out with so far I haven't been happy with. I don't think they've controlled costs enough," says Senator Mark Warner.
Sixth District Congressman Bob Goodlatte says if the federal government takes over health care it would raise costs for small businesses.President Barack Obama will try to convince the American people Wednesday night that his health care reform should move forward. He'll also have to convince lawmakers, including some members of his own party who criticize that the plan is moving too fast and costs too much money.
News7 wanted to find out what federal lawmakers who represent Virginia think about the plan.
"Some of the plans that they've come out with so far I haven't been happy with. I don't think they've controlled costs enough," says Senator Mark Warner.
Warner said the debate in Washington has been too focused on expanding coverage and not enough on driving costs down.
"We have to change the whole financial incentive sytem so that we reward doctors and hospitals for patient outcomes, not for the number of tests or procedures you do," says Warner.
Sixth District Congressman Bob Goodlatte says if the federal government takes over health care it would raise costs for small businesses.
"We need to have reform that lowers costs that maintains choice that people have today and helps to ensure that some people who don't have coverage today can get it," says Goodlatte.
Goodlatte says government-run health insurnace that competes with private insurers is not the way to go. He says it could mean two out of three Americans would lose their private health insurance. "I think there is a lot of concern in Congress," Goodlatte said.
Senator Warner is one who is clearly concerned. "The plans that have come out in Congress are not the plans I could be supportive of yet," says Warner.
Most everyone says something must be done to keep healthcare costs down, and the status quo is not an option.
Senator Jim Webb released a statement Wednesday regarding healthcare:
"All of us want to see a health care system that is more cost-effective and, in a responsible way, allows all Americans access to affordable, quality health care. I believe strongly that we need to streamline the health care system and get costs under control. I am watching the debates very closely as they occur in five committees in Congress, and I intend to participate fully when a package comes before the full Senate."
