Fixing U.S. Healthcare blog has claimed the high cost of U.S. healthcare is the Real Problem paying such a high price diverts resources from other important national priorities if left unchecked, these relentlessly rising healthcare costs will seriously weaken the nation over time. Two recent authoritative op-eds support the first two claims, but not the … Continue reading Paying for the High Cost of U.S. Healthcare
Category: Marginal Benefit
Healthcare Reform: What About Free Riders?
One of the most potent objections to government-backed universal healthcare is the problem of free riders. John Smith said in 1608, “he that will not work shall not eat.” Getting something for nothing offends the American sense of fairness. But is this the right way to think about healthcare? Let’s look at free-rider claims and … Continue reading Healthcare Reform: What About Free Riders?
Fixing U.S. Healthcare Blog – One-Year Appraisal & Summary
Fixing U.S. Healthcare blog reached its one-year anniversary last month. That’s a good time to take stock. And it’s a good time to summarize this blog’s message - that U.S. healthcare spending far outpaces spending in other comparable OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development) countries, as shown in the masthead graphic, above, and needs to … Continue reading Fixing U.S. Healthcare Blog – One-Year Appraisal & Summary
Healthcare Reform: Where to Start?
Fixing U.S. Healthcare blog has made the case for reform that reins in spending in the whole system. But where possibly to start on such a massive undertaking? Here are four ideas. Klein’s “Muddling incrementalism” Redefining Price’s “essential benefits” using Oregon-style cost-benefit analysis Rosenthal’s “Salami strategy” Emanuel’s “low-hanging fruit” Let’s look at each one. Idea #1: … Continue reading Healthcare Reform: Where to Start?
Doctors Critique Oregon-Style Cost-Benefit Approach to Healthcare Reform . . . But Not So Fast!
Noted surgeon and social-medical commentator Atul Gawande MD hosted a video roundtable in 2014 entitled “Avoiding Low-Value Care.” His panel seemingly challenged the idea that low-value care can be avoided, which is the crux of the cost-benefit approach to healthcare reform. But on closer look Dr. Gawande and panel may actually, in fact, be validating … Continue reading Doctors Critique Oregon-Style Cost-Benefit Approach to Healthcare Reform . . . But Not So Fast!
Fixing U.S. Healthcare 