Where they differ is on the Blue Dogs’ demand that the public option should be a last resort, kicking in only if reforms fail to achieve cost savings and there isn’t enough competition. New Democrats have made no such request.

“Their principles mirror ours, except for the trigger,” said an aide to a Blue Dog member active in the health debate.

Both groups say they’re concerned about a public plan, and specifically don’t want it to look like Medicare, which is exactly what the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus are pushing for.