Congressman Cooper Has No Plans for Health Care Town Hall Meeting

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Congressman Jim Cooper, Tenn.(D)

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The debate over healthcare is now taking center stage at town hall forums across Middle Tennessee, but you won't find Congressman Jim Cooper hosting one of these town halls anytime soon.

He defends that decision, and unveils his ideas on health care reform.

"Federal employees had a good system for a long time, why don't we share that perk with the American people?" Jim Cooper said.

Congressman Jim Cooper wants everyone to be able to get the same health care coverage he gets.

"If you are a federal employee, you get an annual menu, and you get to see clearly what your options are, and it's more options than pretty much what any private sector employee gets," explained Cooper. "I think that every American who wants to, completely voluntary should be able to shop for health insurance the way federal employees and congressmen have been doing it for decades."

Called the Healthy Americans Act, this bill was first introduced back in 2007. Congressman Cooper was part of a bi-partisan group of lawmakers to revive it this year. The Congressman believes the bill is fiscally sound. The other healthcare reform plans up for debate have been far too expensive.

Meanwhile, spirited town hall forums on healthcare have now come to Tennessee. Congressman Marsha Blackburn held one Friday. No one shouted and screamed at this Republican lawmaker, but it's a scenario that has played out many times in other parts. Could a Democrat, like Cooper though, experience a different reception?

"I have never held a town hall meeting in Nashville. There are so many groups here already that invite me to speak with them. I am happy to do that. If someone comes by the office, I have been happy to meet with them, I think that's the best way to get clear communication," said Cooper.

Whatever type of coverage you have, it's estimated health insurance premiums will rise 10 to 15 percent next year, and will continue to climb in the future. That's one reason why the congressman is pushing for change. Plus some of the established healthcare programs are in fiscal trouble.

"Medicare alone is $34 trillion in the hole, and that's trillion with a T. That's an unimaginable amount, of money, a lot of folks in Washington don't want to acknowledge that," said Cooper.

If you have questions about healthcare reform, send them to NewsChannel 5. E-mail webmasters at Newschannel5.com.

There will be an expert on the issue to answer some of the biggest questions about healthcare reform online on Monday.