Let’s reset the healthcare discussion on people rather than politics
The opportunity is right for a reset of the national discussion on healthcare. Momentum is building for us to set aside politics and lead transformational change with high-quality, affordable healthcare at the center of the national agenda.
To build on this momentum, I’m joining with dozens of other leaders from across the nation as a founding member of United States of Care, an organization that will work together on pragmatic solutions to improve healthcare for all Americans.
We are bound together by three key principles: one, that every American ought to have access to quality healthcare that is within their family budget; two, that no American family should face the threat of financial ruin due to medical bills; and three, that any new healthcare policies or solutions must be fiscally responsible.
While we are leading the conversation, we are seeking input from everyone. We know that there is more than one policy approach to achieve our goals and that there are competing interests that must be taken into consideration. When we speak of healthcare becoming more affordable, we recog- nize that it must be more affordable for not only consumers but also employers and the government.
There are many initiatives underway that we can learn from and apply as we work toward our goals. One way to advance our healthcare system is to focus on opportunities to deliver care “upstream” of acute-care needs to improve overall health and prevention efforts. But there are many other paths forward.
We need to be open to new ideas. When it comes to identifying and sup- porting policies to improve care, this new organization will set its sights on state capitals to act as proving grounds for much of the great innovation in healthcare already taking place.
We know we must look at solutions capable of gaining both financial and broad political support. We don’t want to put in place reforms that might only be erased in the next election cycle. Our focus will be on pragmatic solutions that can gain a majority of support and are, therefore, sustainable.
This effort requires listening and educating. Americans from all walks of life must get involved. That’s why informing and activating everyday Americans will be a significant focus of the United States of Care.
I hope you will read more about this initiative at unitedstatesofcare.org, support our objectives and contribute to the national dialogue. We’re all in this together. ●