Montanans Rally for Health Care Reform

BILLINGS - In Washington democrats are working to slim down the price tag of a national health care plan. Officials say they've shaved off more than $400 billion for the plan that would cost $1.6 trillion right now.

The group "Health Care for America Now" released a report Tuesday on the sky-rocketing health care costs in Montana. Reports say premiums have gone up 89% between 2000 and 2007 for Montana families and lobbyers for a national health care plan say now is the time to fix our system.

Montana Senator Max Baucus, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, says the total of the plan is getting a lot closer to his target price tag of $1 trillion. Senator Baucus is leading the talks, which involve a bipartisan group of senators. "Max firmly believes that we have an historical opportunity to reform our health care system and we have to do this to make sure our economy doesn't get worse, " said Montana Chief of Staff Barrett Kaiser.

"This issue is bigger than all of us and brings us together. If you think about all the people suffering with preexisting conditions they can't get treatment for. If you think of all the people filing for bankruptcy because of high medical costs, we have a system in need of repair," said Molly Moody with "Health Care for America Now." Moody says polls show a majority of Montanans support reform and having the option to keep their private insurance or join a public program.

The group will be in Washington D.C. Wednesday to lobby with people from around the country on Thursday.