Lawmakers Analyze Effects of Passed Bill

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NASHVILLE, Tenn.- How we get our health insurance could soon change forever. A crucial vote in the House Saturday night may mean health care reform could be a reality by early next year. NewsChannel 5 examined the pros and cons of the bill that passed, and what it means for you.

Late on Saturday night there was a history-making vote. House Democrats passed a bill that aims to cover millions of uninsured Americans and overhaul the insurance industry.

Some Tennesseans have a problem with the 1.5 trillion dollar price tag.

“For the average Tennessean, its going to mean an increase in taxes,” said Congressman Marsha Blackburn.

Congressman Blackburn voted against the plan calling it a government centered program that will steal a half-trillion dollars out of Medicare. Meantime, Governor Bredesen is worried how much all of this could cost Tennessee. He believes the current bill could cost us more than a billion dollars.

“But I disagree with the Governor when he says we can't afford it, I would say we can't afford to do it,” said Tony Garr with the Tennessee Health Care Campaign.

Tony Garr with the Tennessee Health Care Campaign says reform could help 350 thousand working adults in this state get insurance.

“80 percent of the uninsured in this state are working, but they are working for a small company who cannot afford to provide health insurance,” said Garr.

Congressman Jim Cooper voted in favor of the bill Saturday night. He says. "My reason for voting yes is to advance the cause of health care reform by forcing the Senate to act. Without passage of this House bill, the Senate could delay reform indefinitely. That would be the worst possible outcome because our current health-care system is not sustainable."

Now, the Senate must come up with their own health care bill. That will happen over the next few weeks.

Then both the House and Senate will have to come up with one final version of a health care reform bill that the President will have to sign. That isn't expected to happen until January.