[FOLLOWING IS THE PERIODIC BRIEFING SENT BY THE WHITE HOUSE TO ITS OFFICIALS AND OTHER SUPPORTERS OF ITS HEALTH-CARE REFORM PLAN. THIS PERIODIC DOCUMENT GIVES A GLIMPSE OF THE ADMINISTRATION'S EFFORTS TO PROMOTE ITS HEALTH PLAN. IF YOU DO NOT CARE TO READ IT, NOTE THAT IT WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE SUBJECT: Health Care Reform Today , SO YOU CAN EASILY SKIP READING IT. -- Steve Freedkin, list administrator] The White House Health Care Reform Today October 21, 1993 * Speaking before the Health Reform Symposium at the JFK Library in Boston, Carl Schramm, Executive Vice President of Fortis, Inc. and former head of the Health Insurance Association of America, told the audience that the current lobbying campaign by the insurance industry was reprehensible and irresponsible, and stressed that many innovative insurers were excited about the prospects of reform, and wanted no part of the anti-reform efforts of the HIAA's coalition. Mr. Schramm is right to point out that many insurers who have long-recognized the value of things like preventive coverage and community rating stand to benefit from reform, and we applaud him for being a constructive spokesperson for his industry. * At the same forum, Senior White House Policy Advisor Ira Magaziner, discussed the principles and components of the reform legislation the President will send to the Congress within the week. He said the Administration approaches the coming national debate with both confidence and humility: confident that the President's proposal includes a thorough and explicit description of a plan that builds on the strengths of the current system, and makes clear what benefits are covered and how reform is financed. And, at the same time, humility to accept that we do not have a monopoly on all the good ideas, and that where people come forward with better suggestions, we will be open to them. * We were very disappointed to read the release put out by National Association of Manufacturer's President Jerry Jasinowski calling the President's Health Security Act "too ambitious" and that it must be "dramatically scaled back." While we will continue to seek input from all constructive parties, and we hope the NAM will be among them, they should know that a comprehensive benefits plan that provides health security to all Americans is a principle on which we will not compromise. We continue to be gratified by the support of individual NAM members such as GM, Ford, Chrysler, Bethlehem Steel, USX, ADM, and LTV. * Today, President Clinton will speak to Businesses for Social Responsibility to reinforce how the Health Security Act is good for business, small and large alike. He will discuss the specific benefits in the plan and that socially responsible corporate practices are linked to competitiveness and productivity.