Barack Obama says healthcare reform is a top priority for his administration US President Barack Obama has unveiled new plans to reform US healthcare and revive stalled legislation on the issue, aiming for bipartisan support.One of the key proposals gives the US government new power to block health insurers from imposing excessive premium increases. It is the first time that Mr Obama, who has made healthcare a key priority, has put forward proposals himself. On Thursday he will hold bipartisan talks at the White House on the issue. The Republican reaction to Mr Obama's efforts has so far been critical, with House Republican leader John Boehner saying the proposals took the same approach as that of previous Democratic bills. STEPS AHEAD Mr Obama's proposal comes ahead of bipartisan meeting He hopes Republicans will lay out their ideas, which he "is willing to incorporate" New proposal attempts to bridge bills already passed by Senate and House White House could support muscling bill through Senate through "reconciliation", although Republicans would be furious Reconciliation only requires 51 votes, not 60 If Senate and House vote in favour, bill will go to Mr Obama for approval "The president has crippled the credibility of this week's summit [on Thursday] by proposing the same massive government takeover of healthcare based on a partisan bill the American people have already rejected," he said in a prepared statement.[Read more...]