U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky appears to have notched a victory in the health care debate in Washington.

A published report says President Trump will sign an executive order allowing Americans to purchase health insurance across state lines.

Senator Paul has been a staunch advocate for association health plans which would allow small businesses to pool together across state lines through their membership in a trade or professional group to purchase health coverage for their employees and their families.

"It's the same principle as Wal-Mart," Paul said in an interview last month with WKU Public Radio. "Wal-Mart can buy in such large bulk that you can get milk for a very reasonable price often just barely above their cost, and they do it because they have such large buying power."

The Bowling Green Republican and ophthalmologist said the problem with insurance is mostly in the individual market where the self-employed have no leverage to get a lower price.

A report by the Washington Examiner says the president is drafting an executive order on association health plans that’s expected to be announced in the next few weeks.

“The health care debate is not over," Paul said in a statement on Wednesday. "Conservatives are still fighting for free-market reforms to the health care system. I am excited to be working with President Trump on this initiative."

Senator Paul sees association health plans as a way to improve the insurance market in the absence of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. Senate Republicans’ latest attempt at replacing Obamacare, the Graham-Cassidy bill, failed this week.