The White House Health Care Reform Today September 16, 1993 * Today, President and the First Lady will begin the discussion about health care with the American people. From throughout the country , people who have written letters to the President will have an opportunity to tell their stories firsthand about the need for health care reform. The event will be broadcast live on C-Span beginning at 8:00 a.m. EDT. * Following that, President Clinton will participate in a small business roundtable with SBA administrator Erskine Bowles. * We were greatly encouraged by the Republican plans for health care reform that were introduced yesterday. We see many areas of agreement and look forward to discussing further they areas that need more work. The consultation process is working .... for both sides. * The need for health care reform was even more evident yesterday. Families USA released a report showing that two million Americans a month lose their health insurance coverage at least temporarily. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton said after receiving the report: "What we have is a situation in which American's lose health insurance for a variety of reasons. The number one goal for the president in proposing health care reform is ensuring health care security for every single American." * Yesterday, the First Lady helped unveil the government's new anti-trust proposals for the health care industry. Saying it would lower costs, maintain high quality and knock down barriers to collaboration, she said the guidelines will allow joint purchasing ventures, more mergers and more physician networks. Health Care Reform Today * The White House ###