Physician Legislator Doubts Public Option Will Pass

Doctor and State Rep. Robert Wayne Cooper tells KY3 News he doubts a public option will be a part of any healthcare bill that clears Congress.

Cooper, who runs a free clinic in Camdenton for those who make less than 200% of the poverty level, said he thinks President Obama will have a "hard time passing his initial plan."

"I think Obama's going to have a hard time passing his initial plan with the public option that would possibly force all commercial insurance out of business," Rep. Cooper said. "It'd be a dramatic change, if the kind of plan appeared to, not allow people to take private insurance later on, would pass," he added.

Says Obama will probably get "part of what he wants," but adds that the state should try to work to fill in gaps. Cooper said that lawmakers have been working towards legislation that would expand coverage for those who have "pre-existing conditions." "The problem is not wanting to expand beyond what our budget can sustain," Cooper said.

"I personally can support expanding somewhat to provide coverage for some of the uninsureds," he said.

READ MORE OF CARA RESTELLI'S REPORT ON COOPER'S FREE CLINIC HERE