http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN0749607120091021Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives moved closer on Tuesday to agreeing on a broad healthcare reform plan that would include the most liberal version of a government-run public insurance option.
House members leaving an evening meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said a "robust" public option was gaining support, buoyed by preliminary estimates from budget analysts putting the cost of a bill with the option at less than President Barack Obama's $900 billion target.
"The robust public option clearly outperforms the others," Representative Robert Andrews said after a two-hour meeting to discuss the choices. "Members are searching for the best way to reduce the cost of the bill and this is the best way."
The public option, favored by Obama and liberals as a way to create choice and competition in the insurance market, has become a debate flashpoint with critics calling it a government takeover that would hurt private insurance companies.