AMA, AARP endorse House healthcare plan

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Powerful doctor and senior lobbying organizations Thursday endorsed the U.S. House healthcare reform bill.

The bill contains "critical components AARP has been fighting for," the lobbying organization for seniors said on its Web site, "proposals that would improve healthcare for older Americans and their families."

In announcing its endorsement of the House version, the American Medical Association said on its Web site the House legislation would go a long way toward improving health systems for patients and physicians.

The $1 trillion bill would extend healthcare to 96 percent of the U.S. population and create a government-run health insurance plan.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and other Democratic House leaders were preparing for a rare Saturday evening vote on the healthcare reform bill, The Hill reported Thursday.

At the White House, President Barack Obama hailed the endorsements as evidence that those who were most familiar with the nation's healthcare system saw the Democratic plan as a corrective measure, The New York Times reported.

"We are closer to passing this reform than ever before," Obama told reporters. "And now that the doctors and medical professionals of America are standing with us, now that the organizations charged with looking out for the interests of seniors are standing with us, we are even closer."