But Len Nichols of the non-partisan think tank New American Foundation, an early backer of the measure, says there's another reason the bill isn't up for serious consideration. As with single-payer health insurance, it would simply represent too big a change for most people.

"Too many people were afraid of giving up their employer coverage," said Nichols. "It turns out employers weren't as ready to run away from it as some people thought. And unions were deathly afraid of removing it from their ability to recruit and retain workers."

Nichols, however, says Wyden and Bennett have accomplished something major for the health care debate: "They showed you can get Republicans and Democrats around two core ideas: Cover everyone, but be serious about costs." Original article