WASHINGTON (AP) - Some key senators think the idea of non-profit, health-care co-ops might be the bridge they've been searching for to satisfy both Republicans and Democrats on health-care.
Democrats might be able to pass an overhaul plan alone, but Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus says a bipartisan consensus would boost public support and improve chances the new system would catch on.
President Barack Obama's goal is to curb health-care costs and expand coverage to the 50 million Americans who don't now have it. He's favored offering a government-backed plan for people who can't get private insurance. But Republicans say they fear private insurers would be hurt by the unfair competition.
Obama will be pushing his ideas Thursday at a town hall meeting in Green Bay, Wis.
The compromise, proposed by Sen. Kent Conrad of North Dakota, would involve seed money from the government but not government control.
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