16 Nov 2013

Obama meets insurance industry over healthcare plan

9:01 pm on 16 November 2013

United States President Barack Obama is meeting leaders of health insurance companies in the White House, in an effort to address the problems facing his landmark healthcare legislation.

Before the talks, Mr Obama said he would be seeking ways of enrolling Americans on the programmes.

He said if his administration collaborates with the health insurance industry, the problems with the rollout of the Affordable Care Act can be fixed.

"We all share a similar value, which is we want to make sure that Americans have good, solid coverage that gives them the security they need for themselves and their family members if and when they get sick," he said.

The US Congress has decided to take matters into its own hands.

After hundreds of thousands of Americans had their policies cancelled because they do not meet the new standards, 39 Democrats crossed party lines to join with the Republicans to pass the Keep Your Healthcare Act.

The president has promised to veto that legislation.