Comprehensive health care reform is a political and social challenge that has escaped this country for more than 30 years. This year, divergent interests are coming together to finally fix our health care system. There are proposals in Congress right now that would provide high quality, affordable health care and give people the choice of keeping their current insurance plan and primary care doctor.
As a family physician, I see the effects of our broken health care system every day. It is never easy to treat patients who are uninsured because they can’t afford coverage or are denied coverage due to age or a pre-existing condition. I am tired of seeing my patients struggle to access the health care they need. Health care reform can’t come soon enough.
Let’s face it. Access to health care is precarious.
But it need not be. Meaningful and sustainable health care reform is possible if Congress passes legislation that gives everyone in the United States access to a patient-centered medical home, where their primary care doctor will ensure they get the care they need, when they need it and where they need it.
What does it take to make this happen? First, we need legislation that really covers everyone, requiring insurance companies to sell plans to all comers, regardless of family history, pre-existing conditions, and to guarantee that patients can renew their coverage after they’ve become sick.
Second, legislation also needs to ensure that once people have insurance, they also have access to a primary care physician. The problem, however, is a growing shortage of primary care physicians to meet that need. The reformed system must value primary care if we want medical students to choose careers as primary care physicians. We need primary care physicians to keep people healthy, provide early treatment for the most common health problems, and coordinate comprehensive and seamless care when subspecialty attention is needed.
The good news: We have a vehicle that can make all these improvements happen. It’s called the Affordable Health Choices Act being debated in the U.S. Senate. This proposal would ensure affordable health coverage for everyone and encourage the primary care that people need. Making this a reality depends on letting our senators know we support these efforts. Unless we voice our support, we’re likely to continue criticizing, pondering and worrying about health care for years to come.
It’s time to stop playing politics and solve the health care crisis. We must find a uniquely American solution that controls skyrocketing health care costs and gives our patients peace of mind when it comes to their health care.
The Colorado Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP) represents 1,800 members in Colorado. The CAFP’s vision is “Thriving Family Physicians creating a healthier Colorado.” The mission of the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians is to be the bold champion for Colorado Family Physicians, patients, and communities through education and advocacy.
Brian Bacak, M.D., is president of the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians.
This online-only guest commentary has not been edited.
