Strictly Business

This month’s blog will focus on the healthcare reform issue, but perhaps, from a slightly different perspective. If we examine all the different proposals and opportunities to reform the current US Healthcare system, we would find very few that actually do away with the current system and proposes to build a completely new system. Nearly all individuals who have worked in the healthcare system in a professional capacity certainly have witnessed the perverse incentives, the lack of access to basic services for many individuals, the inadequate consistency in quality, and the tremendous drain on the US economy resulting from the huge costs associated with the healthcare delivery system.

Many of these individuals might have some very good recommendations on how to build a better healthcare system for the US. Yet, as a nation, we are very reluctant to do so or attempt to propose such an endeavor. The reason for this is partly due to the fear that it would never be approved by any political body. The incentives for the majority of organizations and individuals to keep major parts of the system in place are too great. Also, too many individuals fear the loss of what they have or worry that they may have to pay more for their current coverage. However, the fact remains that many Americans do not have a sustainable healthcare plan and many obtain their care only via the emergency departments of local hospitals or by another emergency resource. These individuals certainly are not worried that they will lose what they do not have or even pay extra for something they can’t afford right now. However, for everyone’s best interest, it makes more sense to offer individuals a basic package of health services under a less expensive venue than the local emergency department. This would be far less expensive and hopefully give individuals earlier access to the healthcare system, before their conditions become more expensive to treat (an acute and dangerous situation) or become chronic illnesses.

So if we must keep the current system in place, can we still carve out routine care in the form of a basic healthcare plan for these individuals that need it but cannot afford it, while possibly saving money in the process? I think we can, if we decide to answer a fundamental question that goes beyond the idea is healthcare a right or a privilege. The real question should be is providing healthcare an obligation for Americans who have the means to help others that do not? From my Christian background and beliefs and the fact that I teach at a Christian-centered institution, the answer is very clear. Yes, if we truly believe in the “Golden Rule” and that we have an obligation to our fellow human-being to help them out as we would want them to help us out if we needed it, then we should, at least in some manner, be willing to be our brothers and sisters keepers regarding healthcare. Based on our own religious or moral beliefs that espouse a philosophy of doing good for others and having a responsibility to provide help as needed, then we should be willing to help our fellow Americans with their needed access to basic healthcare. Healthcare is a vital need for all Americans just like food, water, and clean air. However, the appropriate level of assistance could end up being substantially more that just a few dollars a month or a year.

A real change in our healthcare system might be accomplished if the appropriate modifications are made and, as Americans, we are willing to give our fair share to help improve the entire system to better society as a whole. However, this obligation becomes a two-way street. Other stakeholders within the system (e.g. insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare facilities, medical suppliers, healthcare attorneys, and other individuals that do business within the healthcare system) must be willing to give up some of their profits and control of the system as well. Additionally, Americans that are helped by society must also be willing to accept responsibility for attempting to live healthier lives, be as productive as they can, and pay forward to others who may need help.

Can this be done by modifying the current healthcare system with one of the existing proposals in Congress?
I believe it can, if as Americans, we all come together and realize that we may have to apply a "Golden Rule" type of legislation that may affect all of us in one way or another. Particularly in a situation where a small increase in everyone’s out-of-pocket costs (or reduction in profits) will help to improve the whole system for all Americans for the future. This will not be an easy fix and many individuals that have affordable healthcare coverage may share a larger burden than they have in the past. So, does it make sense to follow this approach and support some level of basic healthcare for all Americans, even if it costs us somewhat more out of our own pockets than we are currently paying? If we don't do something now, I firmly believe it will cost us all a lot more later on. In the long run, I think so. If we don't do something now, while we still can, I firmly believe it will cost us all a lot more later on in the future.