WASHINGTON  – The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee is proposing a fee on insurance companies to help pay for health coverage for uninsured Americans.

Sen. Max Baucus is circulating his proposal among the five other members of a bipartisan group trying to craft a bill. It is not clear whether the idea will win the support of Republicans in the group, especially Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Mike Enzi of Wyoming.

The plan put forth by the Montana Democrat was revealed Monday on grounds of anonymity because of continuing negotiations. The proposal would establish new coverage access for hard-to-insure people. Baucus’ group is to meet Tuesday, a day before President Barack Obama addresses Congress on the problem.