What is Healthcare Reform?

Answer:
With rising healthcare costs and millions of uninsured

Americans, healthcare reform is a hot topic. Reforming the healthcare system has been debated on and off for decades. While various proposals have come and gone, healthcare reform remains a strong political movement.

Different ideas about how to overhaul the healthcare system exist. The National Coalition for Health Care, the nation’s largest coalition focusing on healthcare reform, has identified five principal goals of healthcare reform:
·    Health care coverage for everyone
·    Managing healthcare costs
·    Improve healthcare safety and quality
·    Equitable financing
·    Simplify administration

In addition to being a favorite topic among politicians, doctors also have taken a stand. For example, the Mayo Clinic’s Health Policy Center says the U.S. healthcare system is urgently in need of reform. The Mayo Clinic is taking an active role in healthcare reform. They state that the availability of care, quality of care, and aging population present a compelling case for healthcare reform. They recommend changes that address: universal insurance coverage, coordinated care, value, and payment reform.