Democrats Say Health Reform Compromise Is Near

HEALTH REFORM -- January 15, 2010 at 4:43 PM EDT

Democrats Say Health Reform Compromise Is Near

Democratic lawmakers headed back to the White House Friday afternoon for another round of negotiations on health care reform. Senate Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said that he expected a deal on a bill in the next 72 hours, as discussions between House and Senate members continued nearly around the clock.

A tentative deal struck Thursday between labor unions and the White House on a "Cadillac" insurance tax helped bring a compromise closer, but negotiators are still discussing sticky issues including how to pay for reform, abortion language in the bill, and the form of a national insurance exchange marketplace.

NewsHour health correspondent Betty Ann Bowser stopped by the Rundown to discuss the week's developments.

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