Democrats soon to be briefed on costs of healthcare reform bill; start counting to 60

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In just hours, Democrats will be briefed on the healthcare reform bill that they will likely debate for the next several weeks, as Majority Leader Harry Reid will reveal the costs of the measure.

But the real number to watch is the magic 60 – the number of senators needed to pass healthcare legislation in the Senate. The House already has passed its version, which is different from the Senate’s, paving the way for a conference, where the fight will be over a compromise that can meet both houses’ expectations.

The Reid bill, a melding of others that passed two Senate committees, is expected to cost less than the ceiling of $900 billion over 10 years. The Congressional Budget Office has scored the bill -- determining the cost -- and the official tally will be announced by Reid.

The final cost and the details over policy options -- the role of a public option, abortion and immigrant coverage -- are expected to dominate the news for weeks.

But today was devoted to strategy and meeting with possible yes votes as Reid worked to put together a coalition of 60 votes needed to get his bill to the floor for debate.

Reaching 60 requires juggling the needs of at least seven senators.

Democrats have 58 senators, and there are two independents -- Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont -- who caucus with the Democrats. Lieberman has said he opposes a robust public option, and Sanders has made it clear he would have problems voting for any healthcare bill that doesn’t have a significant government role. Lieberman has said he will vote to bring the issue to the floor but would side with the GOP conservatives on a filibuster to block passage.

There are at least three centrist Democrats, Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, who are in the question-mark column. Reid talked with the three today and discussed strategy with Vice President Biden, a former longtime senator.

There is little hope of GOP support, but there are at least two Republican senators from Maine, Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins, who are potential yes votes, depending on the final cost and the way the provisions are shaped.

The serious debate is expected to begin after the Thanksgiving holiday.

-- Michael Muskal
Twitter.com/LATimesmuskal