WASHINGTON — Sen. Arlen Specter says he's open to a government health insurance plan that would compete with private insurers to cover middle-class Americans, a policy reversal for the newest Democrat.

Specter had upset many in his new party with his opposition to the public plan, which is perhaps the most controversial component of the health reform debate in Congress.

But in a letter to the progressive group Health Care for America Now, Specter said he looks forward to "discussing and considering" the issue. He said a starting point could be a proposal by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., that seeks to maintain a level playing field between the private and public sector.