The U.S. House could vote on landmark health care reform legislation by the end of the week, but local residents still have questions about the bill, and peppered U.S. Rep. James McGovern with their concerns Wednesday.

McGovern, D-Worcester, held a telephone town hall meeting during which constituents from his district were able to question him in a teleconference.

The congressman said the bill will hold down costs, cut the federal budget deficit, offer coverage to millions of uninsured Americans and ban companies from denying coverage to customers with pre-existing medical conditions.

But his constituents apparently wanted reassurance.

A man identified as Richard from North Attleboro asked if members of Congress would be enrolled in a government insurance plan that the bill would create under the so-called "public option." McGovern said members of Congress would be able to chose whether they wanted the public plan or a private one such as Blue Cross.

"The public option is just that - an option," McGovern said. "Members of Congress will be given the same option as everyone else. If it makes sense, I'd be stupid not to opt in. I wouldn't be forced into a public option, and neither would you."

McGovern, whose district includes several communities in the Attleboro area, said the public option is needed to provide competition to private insurers to encourage them to hold down costs.

If nothing is done, he said, insurance premiums will continue to rise at an annual rate of $1,800 per family.

But McGovern also heard from the other side of the argument.

A woman identified as Susan in Worcester wanted to know why he was not supporting a stronger version of the public option.

The congressman said everyone has to compromise to get a bill that could get majority support.

"Look, this is not perfect, but to insist on the perfect and have Congress do nothing is unacceptable," he said. "This is a good bill. It's not perfect, but it is still a good bill."

A caller from Boylston asked how much the $1 trillion bill will cost an average family in new taxes.

McGovern said the bill is paid for with a surcharge tax on individuals making more than $500,000 and families making more than $1 million. A woman identified as Irene from Worcester wanted to know about abortion coverage.

McGovern said the bill and previous federal law prohibit federal funding for abortions.

McGovern said he believes Congress is about to fulfill the health care goals set by presidents dating back to Teddy Roosevelt and Harry Truman.

"I believe we are on the cusp of a historic moment," he said.

JIM HAND covers politics for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0399 or at jhand@thesunchronicle.com.