Obama includes required coverage for all as part of health care overhaul proposal

Individuals would have to carry health insurance

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says individuals would be required to carry basic health insurance under his overhaul plan and businesses would have to offer workers health care or pay for part of insurance cost for their workers.

Obama said those who could not afford coverage would have a hardship waiver, and 95 percent of all small businesses would be exempt because of their size and narrow profit margin.

The president acknowledged there are “significant details to be ironed out,” but that a broad consensus exists for a plan that covers everyone.