The coming sea change in the US Congress, as well as a flood of new governors, suggests that healthcare issues may soon gain new importance as domestic policy priorities. Let's hope that they do.
Many national and state candidates made healthcare a campaign highlight in this year's elections, because they know their constituents want change. A recent Commonwealth Fund survey, for instance, showed that three quarters of all Americans believe the US healthcare system needs fundamental reform, due to rising healthcare costs and the ever-growing number of uninsured.[1]
If Congress takes a truly bipartisan approach to healthcare, the country could begin to attack these trends. For example, this year's pending reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program – which provides federal matching funds to help states cover uninsured children – presents an opportunity to ensure adequate funding, set quality standards, and expand coverage to additional low-income children and their parents.
To help address the burden of high prescription drug costs, Congress could grant Medicare the authority to negotiate drug prices, and eliminate the surplus payments Medicare managed care plans currently receive from the government. Congress can then use these savings to reduce or eliminate Medicare's prescription drug coverage gap.[2]
Congress should also work toward establishing a pay-for-performance Medicare payment system for providers that would reward high-quality, patient-centered, and efficient care.[3]
The bottom line is that our current course is unacceptable. Americans are clamoring for a high-performing health system, and some exciting changes are already under way. But more progress is needed. The US can learn from innovative examples – both within our borders and abroad – of effective policies and practices that lead to better health for everyone.
If Democrats and Republicans are willing to commit to working together to achieve such reform, all Americans will benefit.
That's my opinion. I'm Karen Davis, President of The Commonwealth Fund.
Footnotes
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Readers are encouraged to respond either to the author at kd@cmwf.org or to George Lundberg, MD, Editor of MedGenMed, for the editor's eye only or for possible publication via email: glundberg@medscape.net
References
- 1.Schoen C, How SKH, Weinbaum I. Craig JE Jr, Davis, K. Public views on shaping the future of the U.S. health care system. The Commonwealth Fund. August 2006. Available at: http://www.cmwf.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=394606 Accessed December 28, 2006. [Google Scholar]
- 2.Heaton E, Carino T, Dix H. Assessing Medicare prescription drug plans in four states: balancing cost and access. The Commonwealth Fund. August 2006. Available at: http://www.cmwf.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=398836 Accessed December 28, 2006. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 3.The Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance Health System. Framework for a high performance health system for the United States. The Commonwealth Fund. August 2006. Available at: http://www.cmwf.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=387153 Accessed December 28, 2006.
