WRAPUP 4-US House Democrats scramble for healthcare votes

(For full coverage of U.S. healthcare reform, click [nN20512341])

* Democrats still hunting for 218 House votes on health

* Hoyer says "we're very close" to the needed support

* He says final vote could be delayed to Sunday or beyond (Adds Waxman quote, details on abortion battle)

By John Whitesides

WASHINGTON, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives scrambled on Friday to allay lingering concerns about a broad healthcare overhaul and said a landmark vote planned for Saturday could slip a day or more.

President Barack Obama and top administration officials called undecided Democrats to plead for support, and House leaders held talks with wavering members to nail down their backing.

Democrats were short of the 218 votes they need to pass the measure, but House Democratic leader Steny Hoyer said "we're very close." House members were warned the final vote could slip to Sunday or even later in the week.

Democrats cajoled dozens of party moderates concerned about abortion and immigration provisions in the bill, as well as its $1 trillion price tag and its possible effect on budget deficits.