Excerpt: Democrats prefer a highly regulated 'health insurance exchange,' a marketplace where consumers who don't have insurance through their employers could comparison-shop for policies. It would be a move towards universal coverage, which Republicans oppose. The reform bills also included a provision that would allow states to make insurance agreements among themselves. The plans some Republicans propose would simply allow residents of one state to buy insurance from companies in another state. For example, Minnesota could allow its residents to buy insurance from Texas companies, which are governed by Texas law.  MORE >>