WASHINGTON INSIGHT

OPEN SECRET: Lobbyists made quick use of President Clinton’s “confidential” health care plan after obtaining bootleg copies from congressional offices. Hours after the document landed on Capitol Hill, the American Hospital Assn. was mailing 500 fresh copies to state and local affiliates. “You could almost step on a Metro bus and get handed a copy of the plan,” AHA spokesman Rick Wade marveled about the gushing leaks. Presidential aides, who for months had kept much of the plan under tight wraps, were not amused. “They even have it on Wall Street!” one cried.