US Senate's version of the healthcare bill (finally) passes

After 24 days (!!) of "debate" and delay tactics by many of it members, the US Senate's version of the healthcare reform bill was adopted by 60 votes (58 Dems and 2 independents) to 39.

Now the Senate's bill and the House's bill must be reconciled, in mid-January. Notably, the House bill does include a public option, unlike the Senate's.
Under the Senate's bill, private insurers are not allowed to refuse to provide insurance because of an applicant's "pre-existing medical conditions" and makes insurance mandatory for almost all Americans, yet without a public option or at extension of Medicare to 55-64 year olds, not even via a pay-in scheme.