Progress Illinois

How federal health care reform will affect state finances is a concern held by many policy wonks across the country, especially those from states dealing with devastating budget shortfalls. It worries Illinois' own Rep. Phil Hare, as well. But speaking on C-SPAN's Washington Journalthis morning, the Quad City Democrat said he is confident that betweennow and 2013 -- when most of the major provisions of the bill will beimplemented -- reformers can develop safeguards to prevent any unfundedmandates on state governments.

Hare also talked up the high cost faced by American families andhealth care providers if no action is taken on this issue. Heillustrated the point by citing data from his own district, where anestimated 100,000 people lack insurance.He reported that, three years ago, Monmouth Hospital administered$400,000 worth of care to the uninsured. Two years ago,that number jumped to $1.3 million. Last year, the facility -- locatedin a town of 13,000 -- dolled out $2.8 million in charity care."If anybody doesn't think we have a financial problem out here onhealth care," Hare said, "they need to go to Monmouth, Illinois." Watchit: