Democratic officials say President Barack Obama has indicated support for a national clearinghouse to buy health coverage and an end to the decades-old antitrust exemption enjoyed by insurance companies.

In signaling his preference, Obama is siding with House Democrats over their Senate counterparts on both issues crucial to negotiations on his health care overhaul.

House Democrats are pressing for both provisions to be included in the measure, now that their proposal for a government-run insurance option appears dead. Obama met with House Democratic leaders at the White House last week.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, saying the discussion was private.