Over at the Huffington Post, Sam Stein reports on an interesting, potential health care compromise that would allow states to opt out of what would otherwise be a national public option.
TPMDC has learned that the idea was reportedly conceived by Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), who also proposed a separate compromise that would allow states to opt in to a public option. A Carper aide confirms that he’s taking a close look at the idea.
Interestingly, the nascent proposal also appears to have the backing of Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) who’s been shopping it around to colleagues, according to one Senate source.
Asked for comment, an aide to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, “Sen. Reid is open to any proposal that lowers cost and increases competition.”
Note that some senators (think Kent Conrad) have objected to versions of the public option which they say could be harmful to their home states. This would give those states’ legislatures a chance to make sure that didn’t happen.
Still, “nascent” is the key word here–something to keep an eye on going forward.
