Biden: Health care reform driven by bottom line

Vice President Joe Biden says there has never been a better time to overhaul the nation's health care system because the industry now recognizes that helping the uninsured will ultimately bolster its bottom line.

Biden joined Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at a health care forum in Alexandria, Va., on Thursday.

He told a group of nearly 200 people, mostly senior citizens, that he understands cynicism about drug companies' promises to contribute billions of dollars in savings.

But he said drug companies recognize the potential profits in extending coverage to nearly 50 million Americans without health insurance.

The Obama administration is pushing the House and Senate to pass health care legislation before going into recess next month.