The Senate’s top Democrat said the health-care bill he is bringing to the Senate floor will include a government-run health-insurance plan, a remarkable comeback for an idea that was voted down in a key committee less than a month ago.The announcement by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid came as the White House-backed drive to overhaul the nation’s health-care system picked up pace. “We’re all optimistic about reform because of the unprecedented momentum that now exists,” Mr. Reid said.

On key issues, groups that once staked out positions far apart are inching toward compromise. The AFL-CIO’s president said Monday he might accept a tax on some high-value insurance plans — private plans with generous benefits — if the tax didn’t hit the middle class.

Still, the final shape of the bill remains in doubt, and Republicans swiftly condemned the Reid plan. Mr. Reid was staking his credibility and clout as a party leader in calling for a version of government-run insurance that is close to what liberals have sought.

Under the Nevada Democrat’s proposal, the “public plan,” or a government-run insurance plan, would be in force around the country, except in states that opted not to participate. They would have to make that choice by 2014.

Most Republicans in Congress oppose the idea, as do insurance companies. They say it will usher in government control of the health-care system.

 

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