Carlisle, Pa. - While the issue of health care reform is being discussed in our nation's capital, Dickinson College hosted a panel discussion Wednesday night on the very same subject.

None of the five who served as panelists are doctors, but they are connected at least in some way to the health care industry. While all agreed to the need for reform, there were differences of opinion on one major issue: the need for a public option in health care reform.

Sharon Ward of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center says the public option would increase competition. "We think competition is one component to reducing health care costs and we shouldn't throw it out," she said.

Michael Fiaschetti of Highmark Blue Shield feels differently. He says a public option run by the government would curb developments in medicine. "We believe that if the government gets in the business, the only way they can compete is to halve the equation where they pay providers, they have to ratchet that down. If they do that, some providers won't survive. There will be de facto rationing and we won't have the innovation," he said.

All the panelists agreed that it is possible to improve health care and lower costs.

abc27's Alicia Richards served as moderator of the discussion.

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