[AP] President Barack Obama is signaling that he’s open to compromise on overhauling the nation’s health care system. Obama told participants at the end of a health summit that although he offered a plan during last year’s campaign, he isn’t wedded to that proposal. He told Republicans and Democrats, doctors and insurers — “I just want to figure out what works.”

The president said there are some elements that all sides can agree on such as electronic health records that will save lives and money. Other issues — such as his $634 billion down payment for expanded coverage — are certain to create deep divisions.

He said: “We have to keep an open mind.”

Obama invited more than 120 people who hold a wide range of views on how to fix the system.

Obama entered the room with Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, who is battling a brain tumor. After brief remarks summarizing the participants’ observations, Obama called on Kennedy. The veteran Democratic senator said he looked forward to being a foot soldier in the push for health care reform and said: “this time we will not fail.”