Health Care Debate

Chicago, IL. - Monday, President Obama will push his health care plan to a bunch of doctors. He is hoping to change the way you get health care. Tonight, Steve Chamraz breaks it down for you.

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After fielding questions on health care for more than an hour, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky said she got the message.

"What we heard was a lot of pain here today. People who can't afford the health care they need, people who are worried about losing their job and then losing their health care..." said Jan Schakowsky.

The health care debate descends on Chicago tomorrow, when President Obama arrives to make his case for reform.

Today, about 200 people brought their concerns to this community center in Niles. Many of them raising points they want Schakowsky to keep in mind as congress works on a plan.

Aris Yanibas showed up with his feelings on his chest and said if government thinks health care is so important, they should make big changes

"Would congress cut military spending 75 percent and foreign aid 75 percent so we could all have free health care?" said Aris Yanibas’ attorney.

Ursula Levy worked as a nurse at Cook County Hospital. She said Schakowsky touched on a lot of topics today, except the biggest one: “Picking up the tab”

"How are they going to pay for the health care that they want to give, universal health care, quality... because she didn't really touch on it." Added Ursula.

Others in the crowd were worried that reforming health care would limit their personal freedoms.

Schakowsky said that is not her intent.  But some people left unconvinced.

"The government is going to have a lot of control over what you can and cannot do once this bill passes. But I’m not sure this is the way to go and to rush it through in they way they're doing now." said Rich Monahan.

When the President makes his speech tomorrow morning, he will stress the importance of time. He wants a comprehensive health reform package on his desk by October.

Steve Chamraz, Fox Chicago News.