Democratic officials say businesses would not be required to provide health insurance under legislation being readied for debate in the Senate.

However, large firms would face significant penalties if workers needed government subsidies to buy coverage on their own.

Democratic officials also say that individuals would generally be required to purchase insurance under the proposal being considered, and they would face penalties if they defied a so-called government mandate to do so.

The Democratic officials spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they were not authorized to discuss the private negotiations involving key Senate Democrats and the White House. No final decisions have been made on the details of the measure.