This was a broad-based discussion on how to move forward, Obama said. Healthcare insurers won't be able to deny coverage or drop coverage. Democrats agree on those reforms.
The bill will reduce the costs of healthcare. It will strengthen Medicare. It will be the largest deficit reduction plan in over a decade, he said. Obama said it will not add to the deficit.
The plan will cover 30 million more people. The final bill won't include everything that everyone wants. There are differences to be worked out. But it must get done now, he said. If it doesn't get done, premiums will go up and more employers will drop coverage. Guaranteed, he said.
Obama didn't mention the public option, but it's probably safe to say, it's out, and he didn't take questions from the media.
