Tweaks could help GOP accept 'co-op' health plan

Even though there are some lingering concerns, Congressional Republicans and Democrats may finally have found some common ground when it comes to healthcare, according to Modern Healthcare. Sen. Kent Conrad's (D-ND) plan to essentially create a "co-op"--where states, regions and counties would come together for bargaining leverage purposes--has already been presented to President Obama in a briefing by Senate leaders. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who vehemently opposes the possibility of government-backed healthcare believes the idea has "possibilities" but remains cautious about funding and oversight. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) also thinks the idea is "creative" and promising.

Remaining true to his roots, Grassley cited that non-government backed federal loans could only be used to kick off the program because he doesn't want to see "another Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac." In other words, he doesn't want the government to have to pick up the pieces in the event the plan fails. Grassley expressed a belief that a public healthcare option ultimately would eliminate private insurance [1], leading to a virtual monopoly on healthcare by the federal government.

To learn more about this plan:
- check out this Modern Healthcare article [2] (reg. req.)

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