In the United States, President Barack Obama's far-reaching plan to guarantee all Americans healthcare has run into trouble over its more than $US1trillion price tag.
A preliminary analysis of the plan being pushed by Democrats in the House of Representatives concluded the legislation would increase federal budget deficits by $US239bn over 10 years.
The analysis was conducted by the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation, both of which work for Congress.
Changes to the House Democrats' plan are already under consideration and the House Energy and Commerce Committee insists the healthcare reform effort will be fully paid for.
