President Obama signaled support for reforming the health care law signed into law under his administration last year, saying he is open to proposals put forth by state governors and Republican lawmakers.
Mr. Obama also endorsed a proposal by Massachusetts U.S. Senator Scott Brown that would let states seek a waiver from the federal health care law sooner than anticipated.
The proposal, which has support on both sides of the aisle, is co-sponsored by Oregon U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. Both Mr. Brown and Mr. Wyden have pushed for an earlier waiver, setting the date at 2014 instead of the 2017.
The proposed waiver would allow states to craft their own health care proposals. Mr. Obama said the supported state’s creating their own health care programs, adding that they must meet federal guidelines set out in his health care reform law.
The move by the president is the first sign that a bipartisan solution may be sought in the debate over health care reform. Congressional Republicans have said they will continue attempts to deny funding for the president’s health care law in addition to attempts to outright repeal the law.
