6 months ago
About 100 people heard U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss discuss President Obama's health care overhaul Wednesday.
Chambliss spoke to Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce during a private meeting at Central Georgia Technical College in Macon.
Chambliss said he opposes a government-run system like the one proposed by Obama, and he doesn't think Congress will approve it by October, as requested by the president.
"The relationship between the citizens regarding health care issues has got to be made between the doctor and the patient," Chambliss said.
The state's senior senator listed the elements he thought should be included in health-care reform: He said it should include tort reform to prevent frivolous lawsuits. He said people should be able to choose their doctor and their hospital.
He said they should be able to shop around for the best deal on health care insurance and purchase coverage outside their state. And that care should be "portable" -- people should be able to keep their health care when they change jobs, he said.
The chamber members seemed mostly supportive of Chambliss, a Republican from Moultrie.
Chambliss commented on protests taking place around the country against Obama's plan: He said it's great that Americans have that right, but protests should be peaceful.
"I hope what we can do is continue down the road as the folks here in Macon did today and be very respectful of one another and be respective of what opinion you have regarding the issue," he said.
Cost estimates vary on the president's proposal. But watch dog agencies such as Money Watch say it would cost more than $1 trillion over the next 10 years.
