John Kasich says Republicans in Congress need to talk to Dems on health care

Ohio Gov. John Kasich said Friday that he and his staff are already talking to Democrats about the revised health care bill.

“I talked to the president,” he told Fox News. “They wanted me to support the House bill I said I couldn’t. But we talked about the fact that when the bill gets over to the Senate it’s an ongoing process. That’s the why it works.

“I think [the new health care bill] needs to be something that provides flexibility, I hope it provides some leverage that governor’s can use to control their costs from the rising costs of pharmaceuticals and I think it requires a phase out combined with flexibility,” he said.

He said this is where Republicans and Democrats need to come together.

“Now, whether that’s acceptable to the House, that’s were I believe you really have to start talking to Democrats,” Mr. Kasich said. “In fact, my staff and [Republican Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan] and others are beginning to talk to some Democrats, because, look, you’ve got to get this thing settled.”

Mr. Kasich said he believes health care reform is possible, but he isn’t sure whether a bill can actually pass through Congress.

“I think there is a way to get this done,” he said. “As to whether you can pass it in the House or whether the Senate gets it right, I don’t know.”