Sen. Ben Nelson said Wednesday it's "very likely" he cannot support the current Democratic plan for health care reform.

But Nelson said he has not yet determined how he would vote on procedural motions to begin floor debate and ultimately to invoke cloture, thereby shutting down a filibuster and allowing a final vote on the package.

The second procedural motion requiring 60 votes is likely to be decisive in determining the fate of the health care reform bill.

If he votes in favor of a motion to proceed with debate, Nelson said, that would not signal his support for the bill, but rather "support for the process to proceed."

Nelson, a Democrat, said he believes the package cannot garner the required 60 votes.

"The real negotiation begins at that point," he said during a conference call from Washington.

Nelson said he's prepared to support health care reforms that reduce costs of health care and insurance premiums, slow down growth in future costs and do not increase federal budget deficits.

Although he is willing to look at an "opt-in" procedure for states to participate in a public insurance option, Nelson said, he opposes proposals for an "opt-out" alternative.

Nelson said his preference is to allow states to address the issue rather than create a federal "government-run plan."

Reach Don Walton at 473-7248 or at dwalton@journalstar.com.