Even though the ink is barely dry on the new health care reform law, much analysis has already been printed and broadcast.  So, while my opinion is not unique, I would like to add my voice to those who celebrate this sea change in our nation’s approach to health care by making insurance coverage near-universal and beginning the process of reforming insurance regulations. However, we must continue to have patience and perseverance. This is a beginning and not an end. Change in human service, economic, technological and regulatory systems on this scale, not to mention the necessary changes in attitude and behaviors within the health care industry and in the general population, will take a lifetime. We must be prepared and committed to creating incremental changes, experimentation, research, training and technical assistance, and advocacy to expand access (beyond insurance), improve quality and outcomes, and reduce costs (i.e., significantly improve the cost benefit of our investment in health care). And, we must integrate investments in our public health infrastructure with our investments in health care strategies if we are truly to improve the health of populations.

Comment (1) More

There are more than 46.3 million Americans who are uninsured.¹ In the five-county region of Southeastern, PA, Philadelphia County has the highest uninsured rate at 14.1%, with the other counties uninsured rates ranging from 5.9% to 8.0.²  Uninsured status is a barrier to accessing and receiving care within the healthcare system.³  Persons of uninsured status often lack access to preventative and wellness screening; are sicker at diagnosis; and have poorer health outcomes than insured persons.⁴  The healthcare crisis in the United States offers healthcare professionals opportunities to creatively address the needs of the uninsured or underinsured.

Comment (0) More