Obama urges major health care reform

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US President Barack Obama has addressed Congress to press for his comprehensive health care reform plan. The health care overhaul aims to dramatically transform the US health system and insurance market.

In Wednesday morning's nationwide televised speech, Obama said he will not waste time with critics of the national health care plan.

Barack Obama, US President, said, "The time for bickering is over. The time for games has passed. Now is the season for action."

Obama wants to ban insurers from scrapping coverage for sick patients and capping coverage in a year or lifetime. He is also calling on insurers to cover routine check-ups.

But the President's ambitious health care overhaul has faced staunch Republican opposition and threats of a divide among his own Democrats.

Republicans have balked at the total cost of the plan, warning Obama's pledge will increase government debt.

Obama hit back, denying the plan will increase budget deficit. He added the government must press ahead with reform, despite looming obstacles ahead.