To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

RALEIGH – North Carolina state employees protested outside the downtown Raleigh Sheraton hotel where health care executives were discussing their thoughts about the progress of the national health care reform.

Both groups agree the system needs to be reformed. The spiraling cost of health care is taking a financial toll on some state workers.

"Electricity, water bill is going up," said state employee Patricia Stewart. "Everything is going up, and you can't afford to take care of your home without living from paycheck to paycheck."

Businesses also agree higher costs drain their resources. Studies show the U.S. spends more per capita on health care than the rest of the world.

"On the path we're headed, we can't afford it," said Brad Crone, the regional director of the Healthcare Leadership Council. The group is comprised of CEOs from Fortune 50 and Fortune 100 companies.

Crone said his group agrees with President Barack Obama about the need for national healthcare reform. But they believe it should driven by the private sector and there should not be a government-run option.

Bob Greczyn, the CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, agreed that a public health plan is not necessary. He pointed out that his company has already started initiatives, like encouraging the use of generic prescription drugs, to lower costs. Greczyn also said having a public health option would not mean having the same quality of care.

"When you put a government plan in that's not going to compete on a level playing field with the private market, we believe that will destabilize the market," he said.

But having a public health plan is what the State Employees Association of North Carolina has been rallying for. The group said having one would lead to more affordable care because people would have options. So the debate continues, and both sides are waiting to see what federal lawmakers ultimately decide.