Lieberman 'encouraged' by Dems' new healthcare compromise

An alternative to the public option pitched by moderate and progressive Democrats on Tuesday has so far attracted the attention of at least one the chamber's most important swing votes.

While Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) stressed in a statement on Wednesday he remained opposed to any government-based insurance program, he said he was "encouraged" by Democrats' latest proposal, which was submitted for an official cost estimate last night..

"I believe that it is important to pass legislation that expands access to the millions who do not have coverage, improves quality and lowers costs while not impeding our economic recovery or increasing the debt," Lieberman said Wednesday.

The compromise put forth by Democrats last night would expand Medicare considerably, offering a "buy-in" to Americans at the age of 55. Currently, only Americans above age 60 can participate in the healthcare entitlement.

Additionally, the proposal would establish private, non-profit health insurance programs to be set up by the Office of Personnel Management.

Those plans would be run by private companies, not the federal government, but poor performance in reducing costs or covering more Americans could eventually trigger the a public option, Democrats suggested on Tuesday.

That Lieberman has at least signaled interest in the compromise spells good news for Democrats, who began negotiating the plan in an attempt to garner the much-needed votes of the chamber's leading centrists.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) needs Lieberman's vote in particular if he hopes to defeat a Republican filibuster -- support that seemed unlikely until last night's announcement.

“Regarding the ‘Medicare buy-in’ proposal that is being discussed, we must remain vigilant about protecting and extending the solvency of the program, which is now in a perilous financial condition," Lieberman said.

“It is my understanding that at this point there is no legislative language so I look forward to analyzing the details of the plan and reviewing analysis from the Congressional Budget Office and the Office of the Actuary in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid,” he added.

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