Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deval Patrick announced his comprehensive plan to make health care more efficient Wednesday, including the implementation of a universal health care policy and the lowering of costs for prescription drugs.

Patrick, speaking to supporters at the St. Francis House, endorsed an employer mandate mechanism bill to combat the insurance gap in Massachusetts, which was initially written by an advocacy group, Health Care For All Massachusetts.

According to a Patrick campaign press release, 500,000 to 750,000 residents are currently uninsured.

“We already pay for the health care system,” Patrick said. “Let’s just do it in a more efficient way.”

To finance his health care plan, Patrick proposed hiking cigarette taxes by 50 cents per pack and using funds from the employer payroll tax.

Patrick’s plan would change eligibility requirements for MassHealth and would require a new payroll tax from employers who do not provide insurance.

Patrick, a former Texaco and Coca-Cola corporate executive and former assistant attorney general for civil rights, also said he would guarantee coverage for everyone not already covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

“No one should have to make the choice whether to have health care or go bankrupt,” said Patrick, a native of Chicago.

Patrick also discussed the impacts his health care platform could have on a college student.

“I am looking for ways for newly graduated students to pay for health insurance,” Patrick said. “Often, a year or two out of college, some students cannot afford health insurance, and I want to help them.”

The health care announcement comes on the heels of Patrick releasing his economic stimulus two weeks ago.

Patrick is vying for the Democratic primary nomination against Attorney General Thomas Reilly in September 2006. The winner of that primary will run against Republican Gov. Mitt Romney.

Patrick said if he is elected governor next year, he would apply his ideas into action quickly.

“If the Legislature continues on its way, my prescription drugs plan may be already be passed,” Patrick said. “My health eligibility plans can be done quickly as well, and that would have an immediate impact in significantly reducing the number of uninsured people.”