WABE NewsRoom

Sen. Isakson Predicts Health Care Debate Will Extend Into Next Year; Remains Opposed to Public Option

Atlanta, GA (2009-11-10) Now that the U.S. House has passed its health care reform bill, the Senate takes center stage. But Georgia Republican Senator Johnny Isakson predicts a long and tough debate will drag into next year. Isakson told WABE's Denis O'Hayer he remains completely opposed to including a government-funded health insurance option which is part of the bill passed by the House. But Isakson insisted that, even if the public option is defeated, some health care reform can still pass the Senate.

Georgia Lawmakers Split on Healthcare Reform Vote

Atlanta, GA (2009-11-08) In a close House vote over the weekend for sweeping healthcare reform, Georgia's Congressional representatives largely opposed the legislation. As WABE's Jim Burress reports, Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) was one of the bill's champions. He called on lawmakers to look past politics.

DeKalb Health Director Says Major Care Reform Proposals are Missing Something

Atlanta, GA (2009-09-18) We continue our series of health reform conversations with Atlanta leaders from different points of view this time, with Dr. Elizabeth Ford. She's the district health director for DeKalb County the county's top public health official. She told W-A-B-E's Denis O'Hayer that whether an overhauled system includes a public option, a network of cooperatives or something else it should include some mandates: But different kinds of mandates than those most leaders are emphasizing now.

Georgia Families See Health Premiums Outstrip Income

Atlanta, GA (2009-09-17) Health insurance premiums for the average Georgian family are way outstripping the median household income. That's what a report from the Washington-based health care advocacy group Families USA says. WABE's Odette Yousef reports.