Democrats Struggle to Overhaul Healthcare

December 14, 2009

Washington - After months of discussing several options to overhaul the healthcare system, Democratic senators are struggling to come up with a consensus that will expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage, allowing more than 30 million uninsured workers to access cheaper health services.

Due to internal disputes over abortion and importing cheaper drugs, a proposed bill that will allow uninsured workers as young as 55 to purchase Medicare insurance may not be passed before Dec. 31, the deadline for a government-subsidized health coverage.

Meanwhile, Democrats are also facing another obstacle after Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman has threatened to join Republicans from blocking the bill.

If Liebermann decides to block the proposed legislation, Democrats may fall short on getting 60 votes to overcome Republican opposition

In a television interview, Lieberman said he will oppose any bill that seeks to expand the Medicare coverage as it may aggravate the program’s looming budget deficit.

However, the senator has still urged other lawmakers to find another option that will allow millions of uninsured Americans to purchase health coverage.