Democratic leaders say they have worked out a last-minute dispute, clearing the way for a sweeping health care bill to move ahead in the House.

Athens Regional Medical Center officials are considering layoffs, pay cuts and health insurance increases to carve $14 million from the hospital’s spending.

House Democrats want to require individuals and employers to get health insurance, or pay a penalty. For individuals, the penalty would be 2.5 percent of income, but it could go no higher than the average cost of health insurance.

Vice President Joe Biden has announced a White House deal with the hospitals to help pay for President Barack Obama’s overhaul of health care.

South Carolina’s cigarette tax would increase by 50-cents per pack under a plan advancing through the Legislature. The Senate Finance Committee on Thursday voted 16-5 to raise the nation’s lowest per pack tax from 7 cents to 57 cents.

Legislators are getting ready for a new round of debate on raising the state’s cigarette tax. A Senate subcommittee begins debate Tuesday on a House bill that adds 50 cents a pack to the nation’s lowest tax of 7 cents.

Health insurance is at the heart of the Edgefield County budget debate. County employees have been completely covered by the county, but now they may have to pay part of that, out of pocket. WJBF News Channel 6’s Joy Howe takes a look at the ‘healthy debate’ brewing among Council members.

The cost of lighting up has gone way up. The federal tax on cigarettes hiked up 259 percent, Wednesday…from 39 cents to $1.01. ABC News’ Diana Alvear has more.

President Barack Obama has signed a bill extending health coverage to 4 million uninsured children.