Health care, especially the need for guaranteed health insurance for all Americans, was a centerpiece of President Clinton's campaign in 1992. However, his sweeping plan for health care reform failed in Congress, and congressional Republicans have taken the initiative on this issue. They have proposed major changes in Medicare and Medicaid that would shift power over these programs to the states and reduce the growth rate of their budgets.

• Supported sweeping health care reform plan that would have guaranteed health insurance coverage to all Americans. Key provisions of Clinton's Health Care plan were rejected by Congress.
• Supports incremental health reforms, such as reduced premiums on COBRA benefits and voluntary purchasing pools for small businesses and the self-employed.
• Opposes Republicans' proposed cuts in Medicare.

• Opposed Clinton Health Care plan.
• Supports plans to reduce growth of Medicare and Medicaid spending and would give more control of these programs to the states.

Interest Group Ratings

• American Public Health Association -- 1993 rating: 7