House passes Democratic changes to health bill

WASHINGTON – The House has passed key changes to its just-approved overhaul of health care legislation. The changes are part of a prearranged agreement to guarantee passage of the historic legislation.

The changes passed by a 220-211 vote. That bill now goes to the Senate for final approval, where it only requires a simple majority to pass.

The fast-track measure eliminates targeted provisions for specific states in the main health care bill. It softens a tax on high-value insurance plans opposed by organized labor.

It also contains an education provision that is a domestic priority of President Barack Obama. That measure increases college assistance for needy students and ends government reliance on private lenders for higher education loans.