Libby is big winner in Senate health bill

ERICA WERNER Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON

The little town of Libby isn't mentioned by name in the Senate's mammoth health care bill, but its 2,900 citizens are big winners in the legislation, thanks to the influence of Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont. After pushing for years for help for residents, many of whom suffer from asbestos-related illnesses from a nowclosed mineral mining operation, Baucus inserted language in a package of last-minute amendments that grants them access to Medicare benefits. He didn't advertise the change, and it takes a close read of the bill to...