Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., has proposed a rival measure, the Universal Healthcare Choice and Access Bill, which also aims to bring private insurance plans to more consumers. But his bill would let individuals choose their health plan, while Bennett's and Wyden's bill would leave it up to government to decide.

Coburn, who is a physician, said his bill would give tax credits to people to use to get their own insurance. That would lead to better accountability from medical providers, he said.

Current market forces are not demanding that doctors and hospitals demonstrate quality and price competitiveness, he said.

Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., also wants to use tax credits to help people pay for health insurance, through his Every American Insured Health Act.

People could use the credit to buy health insurance or save for future medical costs with a health-care spending account.

Burr said this gives the individuals the power to negotiate, which can bring down costs and increase demand for better services.

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