The nearly one trillion dollar healthcare legislation was finally passed by the US House of Representatives late Sunday March 21, 2010.  This bill will help extend insurance coverage to nearly 50 million uninsured Americans across the United States.

The House voted with a measure of 219 to 212 to pass the bill, all 178 Republicans had opposed the bill, along with 34 Democrats.   The Republicans that were opposed to the bill believe that it's not possible to reduce healthcare costs without hurting the Medicare system.

Obama signed the bill today, making this legislation a landmark in the history of the healthcare debate.  According to the Bi-Partisan Congressional Budget office, this bill will ban insurers from denying coverage to patients with pre-existing medical conditions.  As well as cut deficits by an estimated 138 billion dollars over one decade.  The legislation will require most Americans to purchase insurance and face penalties if they refuse to do so.

A large part of the money in the bill would go toward helping families earning less than $88,000 per year for premiums.  And 95% of Americans under the age of 65 will be eligible for these benefits.

News 7 Evan Coughlin has more on the topic.