Smith's health care plan

Fred Smith has a four-part health care plan.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate wants to increase the use of health information technology, use health-savings accounts, encourage preventative medicine and reform medical liability laws.

In the past Smith has emphasized the use of personal medical savings accounts and reforming medical liability laws, at times warning of trial lawyers who shape legislation as "John Edwards wannabes."

He also has referred to the insurance plans he offers his employees. That plan provides insurance with a high deductible and gives employees health-care savings accounts.

Smith argues the savings accounts will make health care more consumer-driven, allowing for more individual flexibility, tax savings and future medical savings.

Previously, he called for counties to be relieved of Medicaid payments. The legislature enacted that provision during the last session.

The gubernatorial candidates will debate health care on Thursday.