A Health Adventure

Democratic leaders prevailed with help from anti-abortion members of the caucus. The House could vote on Medicare physician pay the week of Nov. 16.

The independent project claims it's fairer than the previous system, run by a UnitedHealth Group-owned company. But the effect on physician payments remains unknown.

Democratic leaders also introduced a stand-alone Medicare physician pay reform measure as a companion to the health system overhaul.

It's not clear how closely projects must focus on medical errors in order to qualify for some of the $25 million in federal grants.

Americans' opinions about reform proposals depend in part on how survey questions are worded, pollsters say.