Democrats, White House close in on health bill

House Democratic leaders Thursday walked their rank-and-file members through last-minute agreements that could move President Barack Obama's overhaul of the nation's health care system a step closer to reality. Although some issues remained unresolved — including a divisive battle over restricting taxpayer funding of abortion — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said: "We have enough to move forward." White House officials and congressional Democratic leaders met Wednesday evening in Pelosi's office. Aides said they agreed on scaling back a health insurance tax that unions object to, and on gradually closing the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap. They were not far apart on other major issues, including Medicaid funding for states that already provide above-average benefits, and on improving subsidies that would be available under the plan to help individuals and families pay their premiums.