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Kansas City, MO – More than a thousand people poured into a gym at UMKC yesterday for a health care forum with Senator Claire McCaskill.
Unlike most of McCaskill's previous events, the majority of attendees at the Kansas City forum appeared to be in favor of some sort of healthcare overhaul.
McCaskill read aloud and then answered a wide range of written questions submitted by audience members.
The discussion remained civil - but the biggest boos and cheers occurred when McCaskill talked about a public health insurance plan.
"I will tell you I think we still have a chance to have a public option," McCaskill said. "And I believe, ultimately, that will help drive down costs. I think it's important to vote for it if I have a chance."
McCaskill also said she would consider legislation that doesn't include a public option.
She said a non-profit co-op could be a good alternative, depending on how Congress develops it.
The Kansas City event was the last of three forums that the democratic senator held throughout Missouri yesterday.
She's scheduled to have another one in Jefferson City tomorrow.
Funding for health care coverage on KCUR has been provided by the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City.
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