By: Jennifer Newell
Published: Saturday, 28 March 2009
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It is no secret that many Americans have serious concerns about their health care system. In fact, considering there are more than 47 million Americans without any health care at all, with an even greater number suffering under the debts caused by insufficient coverage, it can be said that the majority of people in the United States would like to see some type of reform take place within the system. The Department of Health and Human Services recently released a report corroborating those conclusions and launched a website for interaction with those who wish to have a say in the matter.
The report entitled “Americans Speak on Health Reform: Report on Health Care Community Discussions” was released in early March of 2009 as a result of the compilation of previously held round-table discussions across America with regard to the health care system. At the request of then President-elect Obama to host such discussions, more than 9,000 people enlisted to take part in every state, along with the District of Columbia. Even more attended than expected, after which participants completed surveys to submit to the Presidential Transition Team’s website at the time. Those 30,603 surveys came from 3,276 discussions, which were then analyzed and summarized by the HHS for the report.
Overall, the analysts were most struck by the unified concerns of the majority of participants. The consensus was that the current health care system was “broken” as it relates to access to health insurance and medical services, the ever-rising cost of premiums and prescription drugs, the lack of some people to obtain insurance due to pre-existing conditions, and medical mistakes. There were also responses by participants of people bankrupted by debts from medical bills, sick people who remain untreated or in overcrowded emergency rooms due to a lack of insurance.
As a result, Health Care Community Discussions participants offered solutions and hopes for a reformed system. Most of them—36 percent—noted their support for a fair system to all who need health care, while 19 percent hoped for a patient-centered and choice-oriented plan, 17 percent wanted a simple and efficient system, and 15 percent expressed their hope for a comprehensive plan. Some offered suggestions for a public plan, making medical records available electronically, improving the nutritional content of school-provided meals, and creating an AmeriCorps program for health care workers.
Most importantly, though, discussion members hoped to be involved in future policy decisions. Many noted that similar community meetings should take place on a greater participation level as government moves to implement health care reforms, if not surveys sent to Americans for their input. They wanted more information on problems and solutions to be made available to the public so that people can become more engaged and make informed decisions, as well as communicate their concerns to their respective lawmakers.
In conclusion, the report noted, “The stories of hardships that emerged from the Health Care Community Discussions, and thousands of similar stories, affirm the need to reform America’s broken health care system. The Health Care Community Discussions represent two related Administration commitments: to an open, inclusive style of governance that engages Americans in the policy process and to health reform that is directly responsive to the problems Americans face, the stories they share, and the solutions they offer.”
President Obama has heard the concerns of Americans and begun to implement some changes, ones that he began to address from his first weeks in office, such as the SCHIP expansion for low-income families, the lifting of restrictions on stem cell research, and billions of dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act being invested in health care system improvements. Going forward, many Americans hope to see the trend continue, but more importantly, have a say in some of the reforms that will most help the average person with health care problems and concerns.
HHS has launched a new website in conjunction with the release of the report as a forum for Americans to share their thoughts while staying involved and informed. The health reform website gives the public a window into the future of the system and a hand in creating it.
Jenny Backus, HHS spokeswoman, noted, “The Obama Administration is committed to taking action this year on health reform and is calling on government, business, health care stakeholders and everyday Americans to come together to make it happen.”
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