Reps. Walz, McCollum lean toward supporting public option

DFL Congressman Tim Walz says he's more inclined to support a public option in the House health care reform bill now that a provision in the bill will address Medicare inequities.

For years, Minnesota doctors and hospitals have complained that because they are more efficient than their peers in other states, they have been paid less. Walz said the agreement to fix the problem makes him more likely to support the overall bill.

"If it's considered as part of the final bill, I think so, because I think that's what is going to come out of the House." Walz said. "I absolutely believe [that] to stop this reform in here would be absolutely the wrong way to go."

Democrats brokered a deal that future Medicare payments will reward quality care instead of the volume of procedures. The deal will use an Institute of Medicine study to reform the system. DFL Congresswoman Betty McCollum said the deal means she will now support the public option as well.