For more than a century, the US has been trying to pass reforms that would provide the entire nation with healthcare benefits. Presidents and politicians have tried and failed to restructure the system. So for Barack Obama, who has staked his credibility on getting healthcare reform passed this year, the political risks could hardly be greater.
The difficulties are manifold. Costs have spiralled in recent years, with US expenditure on healthcare now amounting to $2,500bn a year, or one dollar in every six spent.
