Obama Administration Noncommittal On Proposals To Keep Current Insurance Policies In Place

WASHINGTON (AP) — As millions of people get notices from their insurance companies that their current health care policies will no longer exist, there are proposals from both parties in Congress for legislation that would keep existing insurance policies in place under the new health care law.

But a senior government official isn't saying whether the administration will support that legislation.

Marilyn Tavenner, who heads the Medicare program, was asked about that during a Senate hearing today. Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee pointed to President Barack Obama's repeated pledge that individuals who like their insurance policies would be able to keep them.

Tavenner said she hadn't read the legislation, and took no position on it. White House officials have declined comment as well.

The White House today is asking insurance companies to explain to Americans the cancellation letters they're receiving in the mail. Officials say chief of staff Denis McDonough made that request in a meeting with CEOs from some of the largest health insurers.

The administration has said that many of the people losing coverage will have better and cheaper options through the new health care exchanges.