Obama's health plan may change directions

WASHINGTON, June 27 (UPI) -- Likely U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's health plan may become more like that of former rival Hillary Clinton, an adviser's remarks suggest.

"Sen. Obama is willing to consider any sort of proposal that would bring together, not just the insurance industry but ... the consumers themselves," Obama adviser Dr. Kavita Patel said.

Patel's remarks came Wednesday as she was speaking at a National Journal health-policy forum, ABC reported.

Insurers have voiced concerns that Obama has failed to link an individual mandate to "guaranteed issue."

"Guaranteed issue" is a term used in the insurance industry in reference to requiring people to have coverage regardless of pre-existing medical conditions.

"We've had the conversation about ... guaranteed issue. But we are prepared to have that conversation in the insurance industry if the politicians are ready to stand up and say we are going to get everyone in," America's Health Insurance Plans President Karen Ignagni said.