Premiums are key issue for health care negotiators

Source: Associated Press
RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR,
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – Congressional Democrats and President Barack Obama began work in earnest Tuesday on difficult issues still standing in the way of their national health care overhaul after months of tortuous debate. Topping the list: How to help Americans pay for insurance premiums.

Republicans weren't invited, and they complained that the Democrats intended to deliberate behind closed doors — though lawmakers often do so in the final stages of such complex legislation. Separately, the head of C-SPAN, the nonpartisan public affairs network, called for letting the sun shine in on the discussions — as Obama once had promised.

Obama met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., at the White House on Tuesday evening. Joining the discussion by telephone were Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who were out of town.

The White House will take a lead role in settling disputes that could stall the bill, said a congressional leadership aide, who described the private meeting on condition of anonymity. Staffers from the House and Senate will meet with administration aides at the White House later this week to formally begin sorting through issues.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100106/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_overhaul