"Some specifics we are concerned about,probably foremost, the costs that will have to beborne by lower income people," Miller says.

Health Care for All, founded in 1986, consistsof more than 100 organizations in Massachusetts,including labor unions, senior groups, andneighborhood organizations.

"I am concerned about the politicalsurvivability of savings from Medicaid andMedicare," says Miller. "If the savings don'tmaterialize, the plan might unravel."

And Miller adds that he fears Congress may notlevy the necessary taxes to push the programthrough.

"A tax-based program is probably fairer," hesays. "You can scale taxes and relate taxes topeople's ability to pay."

Despite some qualms, Miller says hisorganization is enthusiastic after an auspiciousstart.

"We're energized, we're prepared, and we'revery excited to be doing this," says Miller. "Thisis the first time since Truman that we have aPresident willing to invest the political capitalin trying to reform the health care system."

And others who will be standing more or less onthe sidelines of the national debate that is sureto come on the heels of Clinton's Wednesday nightannouncement are eager to witness the future ofAmerican health care.

"I thought the speech was excellent as aspeech; however, I think parts of it sounded toogood to be true," says Kalkanis. "I don't thinkClinton spent enough time enumerating thesacrifices entailed."

Despite any reservations he has, Federman sayshe supports the plan. "It does not stop me fromwanting to see [the plan] worked on and carefullyimplemented," he says.

The need for reform may be the only item onwhich experts agree. But Clinton's speech was atleast a start, says Fein. "It was a call to arms,and it was very useful in that regard."

Steven G. Dickstein and Virginia A. Triantcontributed to the reporting of this article.The Health Care Plan at a Glance

What's Covered?

.Hospital services: diagnostic tests andX-rays, laboratory, bed and board, routine care.

.Professional services: physicians, nursepractitioners, chiropractors; includingpreventative care, inpatient and outpatientmedical and surgical services, periodic check-upsfor children and adults, specific screening tests,immunizations.