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A new version of the healthcare bill being discussed in the Senate has emerged. A number of Democratic Senators have helped to water down the bill to win over the 60 votes needed to pass legislation. Proponents of a medicare-like system, and those hoping for a publicly-run health insurance option will be disappointed as private health insurance companies are now expected to deliver what is still be called a public option. The plans will be approved by the Office of Personnel Management – the same government entity that manages healthcare for government employees and members of Congress. Another huge disappointment for progressives is an amendment similar to the so-called Stupak amendment in the House version of the health care bill, that would place tight restrictions on reproductive health services like abortion that are covered by federally subsidized plans. In exchange for weakening the public option beyond recognition, some liberal lawmakers hope to achieve compromises on other fronts, such as allowing Americans to begin buying into the Medicare program starting at age 55 instead of 65, and expanding the Medicaid program for low-income Americans.

GUEST: Steffie Woolhandler, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and co-founder of Physicians for a National Health Program