Daschle examines the weaknesses of the health care system in the United States, arguing why previous attempts at national health coverage failed. He proposes that an independent Federal Health Board be created and that employers' plans, Medicaid and Medicare be merged with an expanded FEHBP (Federal Employee Health Benefits Program) that would cover everyone.

The crisis -- History of health reform -- What went wrong and models for making it right -- The federal health board -- Prospects for the health reform.