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March 5, 2008Health Policy Reform: Beyond the 2008 Elections |
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From The Commonwealth Fund: With the 2008 presidential election in full swing, health care reform has jumped to the top of the nation's domestic policy priorities--and with good reason. Growing evidence indicates that the U.S. system falls short in critical areas. The number of Americans without health insurance is climbing steadily: 47 million people were uninsured in 2006, an increase of 8.6 million--more than 18 percent--since 2000. Even people with good insurance coverage are feeling the effects of higher out-of-pocket health care costs, which are causing them to cut back on their retirement saving contributions. In short, our health system is failing to perform as it should. With rising costs straining family, business, and public budgets, access deteriorating, and quality variable, improving health care performance is a matter of national urgency. Recognizing the need for national leadership to revamp, revitalize, and retool the U.S. health care system, The Commonwealth Fund in 2005 established the Commission on a High Performance Health System, with the charge of promoting a high-performing health system. The Commission defines a high performance health system as one that helps everyone, to the extent possible, lead longer, healthier, and more productive lives. The Commission's work indicates that expanding access to health insurance coverage is the single most important step to achieving a better system. This report draws on the Commission's work during the past three years, as well as other research, to provide journalists with an evidence-based context for understanding the fundamental problems plaguing our current health system, as well as policy options under consideration for addressing these problems.
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