Obama: Lots of agreement on health overhaul

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says lawmakers and he are in general agreement on important parts of a potential health care overhaul.

Obama planned to say Wednesday night that the proposals would add stability to existing plans. He also says insurance companies would be banned from dropping or denying coverage to sick Americans.

Obama scheduled a news conference at the White House to push for an overhaul to how Americans receive health care. In excerpts released beforehand, Obama says consumers would be able to keep their current plans and workers could take their insurance with them if they switch jobs

Obama says Congress also has agreed to limit how much insurance companies could force consumers to pay for out-of-pocket expenses.