The General's Health Plan

General Clark laid out his health plan in a speech a few days ago. It's similar to the other Democratic candidates plans - there seems to be a consensus on the basic problems of the current health care system - but has an interesting focus on improving medical care in addition to expanding coverage.

General Clark's health plan would improve health care for those that have it by emphasizing preventive, medically-justifiable and cost-effective services and guaranteeing universal coverage for children, access for all Americans, and making health care more affordable for tens of millions of families currently struggling to pay their premiums. Based on the principles of value, responsibility and fairness, the plan would reorient expensive, often-inadequate health coverage towards preventive and diagnostic benefits, services proven to be medically sound, an emphasis on disease management, and proven competitive purchasing techniques that ensure Americans get the greatest value for their investment. Second, the plan ensures that health care is more affordable for all families and that no child goes without health insurance by guaranteeing affordable coverage and concurrently requiring families to purchase it for their children. It also guarantees that Americans without job-based coverage have access to the same guaranteed, stable health options provided to members of Congress. Finally, the plan provides additional financial assistance to lower-income Americans, workers in between jobs, and other vulnerable populations. General Clark's health plan shifts the focus of the health care debate by insisting that any investment on health insurance be accompanied by a commitment to improve as well as expand coverage.

A thid party analysis and comparison with the other plans is available.