Democrats on track for $940bn health bill

DEMOCRATS in the House of Representatives are pushing to the brink of passage a landmark $940 billion (€690bn) healthcare overhaul bill that would simultaneously deliver on President Barack Obama’s promise to expand coverage while slashing the deficit, a strategy aimed at winning over the party’s fiscal conservatives.

The 10-year plan would provide coverage to 32 million people now uninsured through a combination of tax credits for middle-class households and an expansion of the Medicaid program for low-income people. Release of the legislation due later last night set the stage for a House vote on Sunday, and Democrats have already signalled they plan to go it alone, without Republican support.

The ‘Grand Old Party’ has steadfastly opposed Obama’s plan from the outset.