背景：
Health Care for All Without Breaking the Bank: We Can All Improve Americas Health
We Can All Improve America's health
We know: You can't afford to get sick. Our latest survey is consistent with the last -- 91 percent of you said the cost of health care was one of the top problems facing America today. Yes, there are plenty of kinks in our paper-laden, bureaucratic health care system. And when you add the cost of torts, fraud, medical mistakes, the numbers skyrocket.
We offered solutions in our April cover story, "Fixing Our Health Crisis." But let's face it -- some of the problem is our own fault. Few of us "shop" for health care like smart consumers. Millions suffer chronic diseases, many of which are preventable. And most of us think Business or government should foot the bill. We need to share the responsibility for improving America's health, which, after all, should be the best in the world.What Government Can Do
- Use the Romney plan as a model for a national health care initiative.
- Reform the medical malpractice laws by placing reasonable caps on pain and suffering.
Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama deserve credit for drafting malpractice reform legislation that helps doctors but doesn't leave injured patients hanging in the wind.
- Devise benefit plans that focus on prevention. One great model: Pitney Bowes.
Many companies face double-digit increases in health insurance costs every year. They often respond by cutting benefits and increasing co-pays and premiums. Pitney Bowes has a radical new philosophy: Get employees healthy first and the costs will manage themselves. Plus, you'll have a healthier, more productive work force. It's working: Their medical benefits costs are rising a manageable 7% a year.
More Solutions
What insurance Companies Can Do- Create insurance plans with more transparency, open communication and access to information.
A plan that really works: the Group health Cooperative (ghc.org). This member-governed, nonprofit HMO with more than 574,000 members in Washington and Idaho has a truly patient-centered philosophy. It has a service that allows patients to do everything online: refill prescriptions, talk with their doctors, view their medical records and even get test results. Member satisfaction scores are through the roof.
- Get Medicines to people who need them but cannot afford them. Great model: the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA).
Since its launch in April 2005, PPA has matched more than 2.4 million people to patient assistance programs for free or nearly free prescription drugs. It's a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 180 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies (888-477-2669; pparx.org).
- Make the commitment to online resources and electronic records. Experts believe they'll reduce mistakes and save money.
- Take one new step to live a healthier life.
Let's pledge to do one thing better: Steam some broccoli, throw away the cigarettes, go for a 30-minute walk, breathe deeply in a quiet place for 10 minutes to reduce stress. Who can make the biggest difference in our nation's health? We can.
收藏至：
