Lawmaker joins medical staff in supporting health care reform

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Congressman Steve Kagen joined doctors and nurses Tuesday in supporting the House version of health care reform.

The Appleton Democrat and former allergist rebuffed critics of the massive plan, saying they’re on the “side of the American people.”

Kagen said the House plan has everything he believes is essential including a standard benefit package, a ban on denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions, competition between government insurance and private plans and steps to eliminate waste.

Families USA says the House plan would insurance 233,000 more Wisconsinites by 2013, and 375,000 more by 2019. Right now, about 8.5 percent of state residents are uninsured.

Meanwhile, some Democrats have joined Republicans in saying the plan may take too much out of the economy -- an estimated $1 trillion over 10 years, and that lawmakers are acting too fast.

President Obama told CBS News last night that he insists on congressional action this summer even though he admits some of the criticism is valid.

He says it’s possible that not enough has been done to reduce costs in the health care system but those issues can be addressed as the plan moves through Congress.

Obama will make another pitch tonight in a prime-time news conference.

Tags: health care reform, wisconsin