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Kansas City, MO – Top Republican Senate leaders underlined their concerns about Congress's current health care proposals at a private forum in Kansas City yesterday.
Senate Minority leader Mitch McConnell told some hundred people at Children's Mercy Hospital that it's time for Congress to press the reset button on health reform.
"I hope when we go back in after labor day, we will step back, and start over, and think about the incremental adjustments that we need to make in the world's finest health care," McConnell said.
Senator John McCain added that the nation's growing deficit needs to be addressed before Congress spends money on any new health programs.
Missouri Senator Kit Bond stated he's in favor of changing medical malpractice laws and putting more focus on enrolling people who are already eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, as opposed to developing a huge government proposal.
The event was closed to the public, but did draw in many area hospital, higher education, and small business leaders.
Meanwhile outside the forum, Amy Blouin with the Missouri Budget Project gathered with several people in support of a health care overhaul.
"The cost of doing nothing is not acceptable," Blouin said. "Premiums are expected to double in the next decade and a Missouri family is expected to pay 10,000 dollars more per year for coverage."
Senator McCain and McConnell's visit to Kansas City was part of a series of health care-themed stops they're making across the country before Congress reconvenes next week.
Funding for health care coverage on KCUR has been provided by the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City.
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