Obama Says U.S. Ready for Health Reform

Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a rally with local residents, Wednesday, April 4, 2007, in Mason City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (Charlie Neibergall - AP)

Obama said he's not wedded to any specific system, but he thinks the plan he'll eventually support will offer universal coverage and will squeeze efficiencies out of the health care system. It also will stress preventive programs, such as weight control.

"The status quo is unsustainable," Obama said. "Standing pat is not an option."

Obama said if he was starting from zero, he would likely support a single-payer system, similar to the government-run program in Canada. But he's leery of taking such a step because the United States already has a complex and established system of employer-based health coverage.

He said that the country is already moving toward a government-based health system.

"The government is already covering half the people," said Obama, noting that Medicare, Medicaid and veterans health systems cover a vast number of Americans.

To build a political consensus for a new system, Obama said he'll hold a series of similar meetings to gauge public sentiment. He plans to offer a health care proposal in a couple months, he said.

Obama rejected suggestions that higher taxes are inevitable in a revamped health care system.

"We shouldn't just put more money into a system that isn't efficient," he said.

In discussing the matter, Obama cited his mother's struggle with health care as she dealt with ovarian cancer. She died at age 53.

Those attending the Mason City meeting underscored the importance of the issue.

Kandee Bartholomew said her lack of health insurance affected everything she did, as she sought to avoid injuries.

"There's no ice skating, no roller skating," she said.

Obama said he was surprised that few at the meeting were willing to scrap the system.

Mason City doctor Janice Kirsch said it's far more complex than simply letting the government take over health care.

"There are no simple answers," Kirsch said.