BEIJING, Nov. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- US President Barack Obama says Americans will be allowed to resume cancelled health plans for an extra year, following a shaky start to his flagship "Obamacare".

Thursday’s announcement is designed to fix an admitted flaw in the Affordable Care Act.

"The bottom line is insurers can extend current plans that would otherwise be cancelled into 2014, and Americans whose plans have been cancelled can choose to re-enrol in the same kind of plan," he said.

The shift is aimed at ending a growing revolt by Democrats, who are worried that the problems introducing Obamacare will impact on their re-election bids in 2014.

Private insurers will now be allowed to offer certain healthcare plans in 2014 that fall short of the minimum requirements of the health reform law. But companies ARE required to specify HOW the policies fall below the standards, and what alternatives are available. Putting the "fix" into practise may not be straightforward.

Senior White House officials say it’s up to state insurance commissioners to decide whether the Obamacare fix can go ahead. Insurance companies can also decide whether they want to renew plans that have already been cancelled.

(Source: CNTV.cn)