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How ‘Hillarycare’ Did, and Didn't, Lead to Obamacare

The real precursor was Mitt Romney's plan, say people who wrote the president's health care law.

Video player cover image — Clinton: It Was 'Hillarycare' Before It Was 'Obamacare'

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January 22, 2016, 6:01 PM UTC

Hillary Clinton is taking increasing credit for Obamacare, arguing that the 1993 health care overhaul effort she spearheaded was the foundation for President Barack Obama's plan.

“It was called Hillarycare before it was called Obamacare,” the Democratic presidential candidate said in Vinton, Iowa, on Thursday, referring to her plan's derisive nickname. “I don't want to start over again, I don't want to rip up this accomplishment and begin this contentious debate all over again.”