And that causes a chain reaction, with fees rising for insured patients and insurance companies raising premiums on those they cover.

VOA: standard.2010.02.25

They also set new rules for insurance companies and provide subsidies to some Americans to help cover the cost of coverage.

VOA: standard.2009.12.25

"They have seen what happens when patients do not come in for regular check-ups or screenings because either their insurance company does not cover it, or they cannot afford insurance in the first place,".

VOA: standard.2009.10.05

To ensure support, Democratic leaders agreed to a bipartisan amendment, approved 240 to 194, prohibiting a future government-run insurance plan from offering abortion services, and barring anyone receiving federal subsidies from purchasing private plans that cover abortion.

VOA: standard.2009.11.08

Polls by the New York Times and CBS News and the Wall Street Journal and NBC News show growing public concern that efforts to cover uninsured Americans could reduce the quality of health care for those who already are covered by health insurance.

VOA: standard.2009.07.31