Iowa lawmakers seek compromise on health care

DES MOINES (AP) ? Iowa Senate Democrats are offering some modifications to a Medicaid expansion proposal in the hopes of winning support from House Republicans.

Democrats continue to support the Medicaid expansion permitted under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. But on Thursday they said they would waive doctor co-pays for patients who get annual physicals and choose healthy behaviors.

Democrats say the shift would bring the plan closer to the proposal from Gov. Terry Branstad and House Republicans. Branstad opposes expanding Medicaid and has pushed to instead modify an existing program for low-income residents using state and federal funds.

Branstad's plan includes premiums that could be reduced through healthy behaviors.

Republican Rep. Walt Rogers, of Cedar Falls, calls the changes tweaks. Lawmakers will meet on the issue next week.