(CNSNews.com)-U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Bridgeport, yesterday unveiled a proposal for universal health care similar to a plan offered to federal employees.

Under his proposal, the federal government would negotiate benefit packages with private insurers to offer Americans affordable, comprehensive health care. At a news conference at Norwalk Hospital, Shays joined U.S. Rep. James Langevin, D-R.I., in introducing the American Health Benefits Program. Participants would choose from national fee-for-service plans, local HMOs and high-deductible plans with tax advantages.

“This is the right way to go. This is the plan I believe in,” Shays said.

Shays and Langevin are expected to introduce the proposal to Congress this week and work to drum up co-sponsors for a bill. The health plan would be open to Americans and legal immigrants not enrolled in federal programs such as Medicaid, regardless of employment status.

Individuals who did not sign up for a plan would automatically be enrolled in the least expensive plan in their region.

The universal coverage would lessen the increasing burden on hospitals to cover the costs of those who cannot pay, Langevin said. It also would reduce the need for federal and state financial assistance, he said.

According to numbers provided by Langevin, about 47 million Americans are uninsured, and more than 80 percent are working-class families.

“That, I think, is a national disgrace. We need a solid solution,” he said.