Those who attended were presented with a"report card" and were asked to evaluate thepresident's performance on issues such asuniversal access and fair financing.
Clinton's plan is based upon six principleswhich, according to Clinton, will remedy thenation's health care woes.
Security, simplicity, savings, choice, qualityand responsibility are essential to change thesystem which absorb 14 percent of the nationalincome annually, Clinton said.
Although the president did not outline all ofthe details of the plan, he did explain certainkey features of the proposal.
In addition to guaranteeing comprehensive carefor everyone, the plan will include a package ofbenefits which will cover areas ranging fromemergency visits to substance abuse. Medicare willbe maintained and will be expanded to includeprescription drugs.
Clinton also said he hopes to eliminate thepaperwork which plagues hospitals and medicalcenters and to achieve savings such that the rateof increase of medical costs will not exceed thatof inflation.
Also included in the plan is a tax on tobacco,one of the so-called "sin" taxes which wereexpected to be used to cover part of the cost ofthe new plan.
Judith E. Dutton contributed to thereporting of this article. Associated Press wirereports were also used.