You'll recall earlier this week we told you about the low medicare reimbursement rates Iowa hospitals and healthcare providers are dealing with right now.
Recently KHQA got a chance to learn more about proposed plans to base federal and state reimbursements on the quality of care.
That essentially means doctors and hospitals could be paid less by government if care doesn't meet a certain level.
Iowa Congressman Dave Loebsack says his state would fare well, as Iowa ranks second in the nation for quality of care and affordability.
That's just one idea under consideration as capitol hill moves towards healthcare reform.
You might also remember hearing the words "universal healthcare," which were tossed around a lot during the presidential campaign.
Loebsack says work is being done on that right now, but he says there will probably always be employer based healthcare plans and a public system like there is now.
But the difference is going to be that everyone will have the option to pay for health insurance.
Loebsack said, "Obviously right now we are paying for everyone who receives healthcare. What's happened is now if someone goes to the emergency room and doesn't have insurance those costs have to be born somehow. They're bourne by those with insurance. The system is really paying for everyone at this point and the question is how its going to be reallocated so that everyone still has to pay. The question is how they will pay and through what mechanism."
Congressman Loebsack says the goal of Democrats is to have a Universal Healthcare plan on Obama's desk by the end of the year.
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