Principle #4:
Choice: Preserving and increasing what you have today.
Preserves your right to choose your doctor. The proposal
ensures that you can follow your doctor and his or her team to
any plan they might join. Today, more and more employers are
forcing their employees into plans that restrict your choice of
doctor. After reform, your boss or insurance company won't
choose your doctor or health plan -- you will.
Increases your choice of health plan. You will be able to
choose from among all the health plans offered in your area -no
matter where you work. Only one of every three companies with
fewer than 500 employees offer any choice of health plan. After
reform, every employee will be able to choose a health plan.
Puts consumers in the driver's seat. The Health Security Act
brings competition to health care -- unleashing the market
forces that will lower costs and improve quality. Giving small
businesses and consumers the power to band together in alliances
will level the playing field and give them the same bargaining
strength as big businesses.
Increases options for long-term care. The President's proposal
will make it possible for more Americans to continue to live in
their homes and communities while receiving care. Today too many
families are split apart when insurance or federal programs only
pay for hospital coverage. The plan will help put an end to this
situation and give families the options they deserve.
Section of President Clinton's speech covering choice