President Barack Obama is telling Democrats to stay focused on the reason the health care system needs an overhaul, which he says is extending insurance to millions of people who don't have any.

At a Democratic Party fundraiser Tuesday night in New York City, Obama told party members that even the least popular health care bill would extend coverage to 29 million Americans. Nearly 50 million are estimated to be without coverage.

Obama says disagreements are inevitable as lawmakers continue to shape the bill that will be voted on by the House and Senate. But he told Democrats: "Let's make sure that we keep our eye on the prize" -- that is, all the people who don't have health insurance and all those faced with rising costs.