Obama administration sees savings in healthcare now

According to the Associated Press, the Obama Administration will see $8 billion in savings by the end 0f 2011 thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Over the next ten years, spending will only increase by 5.3%, while savings will come from cuts in hospital payments, improving quality and combating fraud. This comes the same week as Social Security and Medicare from the program's trustees are expected to meet for their annual financial checkup.

Senate Dem leader bringing out new health bill

The Associated Press reports that the Senate's top Democrat is poised to outline a new health care bill designed to meet President Barack Obama's goal of expanding coverage without adding to the deficit.

Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada met Wednesday morning at the Capitol with Vice President Joe Biden to go over the game plan on health care. Crucial to the White House and Reid is winning over reluctant moderate Democrats.

Reid wants to bring his roughly $900 billion, 10-year health care remake to the floor in the next few days. The Democratic leader has spent weeks melding bills from the Senate health committee and the Finance panel. Democrats plan to meet behind closed doors to discuss the bill in late afternoon Wednesday.

Reid's office alerted health care allies that Senate Democratic leaders planned to unveil the bill at a Capitol Hill event at 12 noon Thursday.

Senate Dem leader bringing out new health bill