Obama campaigns for public support of healthcare push

The insurers applauded reforms that would aim for universal coverage, guarantee coverage for those with pre-existing conditions who are often excluded now, and ensure continuity of care.

The plans working their way through Congress would set up a government-run health insurance plan to compete with private insurers, provide coverage to many of the 46 million uninsured and try to stem runaway medical costs.

But a decision on how to pay for it was a ways off.

The House, in its version of the bill, would pay for about $587 billion with new taxes, including one on the wealthy that Republicans charged would catch small business owners in its net and cost more jobs during the recession.

Senate Finance Committee leaders met behind closed doors to thrash out ways to pay, including perhaps a tax on health insurers at a value of $100 billion over 10 years.