If the Democratic presidential primary contenders are listening to American voters, they will make sure to address one critical issue during tonight’s debate: the high cost of health care. 

In a new post for To the Point, Commonwealth Fund President David Blumenthal, M.D., outlines what we should be hearing from candidates promising to make health care more affordable to more Americans: 

• A clear, compelling plan for managing prices: we pay far more than other wealthy nations do for health care, particularly prescription drugs.
• Ideas for limiting the amount that sick Americans pay out-of-pocket on deductibles and copays: other countries, for instance, cap out-of-pocket spending by tying it to a percentage of income.
• A promise to cut red tape: candidates should have a plan to simplify and streamline administration and limit waste. 
• Strategies for changing the way we pay for health care that prioritize value and innovation.