U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy expressed optimism on Sunday regarding the potential for bipartisan cooperation to address escalating healthcare costs, stating that “there’s a deal to be had.” This sentiment comes despite the recent failure of two competing proposals in the Senate aimed at tackling these critical issues.

In an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation, the Louisiana Republican, who chairs the Senate healthcare committee, emphasized the necessity for collaboration between Democrats and Republicans. “There has to be a meeting of the minds between Democrats and our party,” Cassidy noted, underlining the importance of finding common ground in the ongoing debate over healthcare reform.

The Senate recently rejected both Democratic and Republican proposals intended to reduce healthcare costs, highlighting the significant divide on how to address soon-to-expire tax credits that currently assist millions of Americans in purchasing insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Democrats advocated for a three-year extension of enhanced tax credits, while Cassidy’s proposal, developed in conjunction with his Republican colleague Mike Crapo, focuses on government payments of $1,000 to health spending accounts for individuals enrolled in bronze or catastrophic exchange plans, which typically have high deductibles. Moreover, those aged 50 to 64 would receive an additional $500, with the funds restricted from being used for abortions or gender-affirming care.

Despite receiving no Democratic support, Cassidy argued that the Democratic approach must also consider the heavy burden of high deductibles, stating, “You’ve got to put cash in the patient’s pocket to pay the out of pocket.” He offered a willingness to extend premium tax credits temporarily for individuals facing higher premiums, provided that something is done to alleviate the strain of $6,000 out-of-pocket deductibles.

“I think there’s a deal to be had here,” Cassidy asserted. “We need to push for that deal.” He reiterated his commitment to finding a compromise that could resonate with both sides of the aisle, emphasizing the importance of addressing the concerns surrounding premiums and deductibles.

His remarks come as several senators express hope that a workable agreement could emerge following the failed attempts of the previous Thursday. Some Republican senators have indicated a willingness to continue the enhanced tax credits temporarily, albeit with certain restrictions, noting that approximately 22 million Americans could lose assistance when these credits expire at the end of the month.

“We can get this done,” Cassidy declared. “And I think we can meet the concerns both about the out of pocket expenses, as well as the premium.”