Three Simple Truths

Today's debate is mired in details about the wrong topics, chiefly public insurance options and the best government bureaucracy to determine what gets reimbursed.  To drive the unprecedented reform vital to our country's future, we must up-level the conversation and focus on real reform: analyzing the system holistically and figuring out how health care can be delivered in better ways to improve outcomes and value.  The challenge is how to leverage market-based solutions while dealing with the unique properties of health, such as the moral imperative to provide for the under-privileged.

Much of the justification driving reform has been economic, yet the debate has been politically focused, obfuscating the economic issues rather than illuminating them.  The result?  A missed opportunity to educate citizens on the fundamental issues and frame a public conversation about the choices that will bring change.

To refocus, we should acknowledge three simple truths:

1. Healthcare isn't free.  A recent Los Angeles Times editorial highlights a clinic offering free health care that turned people away because too many showed up.  The editorial suggests mandating charity care by doctors as part of the solution. Unlimited health care will be paid for by all tax payers either directly or indirectly.  Free goods are always over-used as evidenced by the classic example of The Tragedy of the Commons.
2. Reform and innovation are inseparable.  The history of industry transformation has shown us that change and ultimately better value aren't possible without innovation.  We need Congress to change today's rules to enable health service delivery innovation, allowing new entrants, solutions, business models and types of care delivery.
3. Change is a function of our willingness to change.  As consumers, we have to be more accountable for and sensitive to the care we're using. Providers and insurers have to engage with consumers differently and offer new products/services that focus on outcomes and offer real value.  The system that governs has to provide the right incentives to drive the right behaviors.

There are pointers in the right direction -- the Healthy Americans Act provides solid thinking about improving outcomes by focusing on prevention, wellness and disease management, and tying accountability and incentives appropriately. In the words of Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) -- "passing a reform bill that doesn't really reform the health care system is just about as wrong as not passing any bill at all."