Democrats Discuss Public Option With State Opt-Outs

After Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) proposed letting states implement their own public options in a plan that got attention from conservative Democrats, Democratic aides tell the Huffington Post that some senators are considering allowing states to opt out of the public option as a way to win over skeptics of the plan. The federal government would establish a "robust" national insurance plan, but give states the option not to participate. The government plan would most likely apply to everyone, and states would have to act by referendum, legislature or gubernatorial decree to make it unavailable for their populations.

"What folks are looking for is what gets 60 votes," said a senior Democratic Hill aide. "The opt-out idea is very appealing to people. It has come up in conversations. I know personally that a handful of members have discussed it amongst themselves."