The Health Care debate has become mired in partisan posturing. Rather than pursue a no-win situation, we need to identify a unifying theme. That theme is to re-cast health care reform as a War On Disease!
The cost of not providing health care for early intervention is clearly astronomical. The cost is, however, hidden. It shows up in pass-through costs of un-insured visits to emergency rooms. It shows up when people put off treating diseases until they are 65 and qualify for medicare. It shows up in lost productivity. We all pay this cost, but because it is separated from its source, it is not associated with its root causes.
Universally available health care has the advantage of not requiring people to postpone treatment until their situation becomes an emergency. Universally available health care allows people to seek help before they are 65. It does not send people into a downward spiral into bankruptcy.
Universal health care is the first line defence in a War On Disease. A war we can all agree upon. Like the successful eradication of smallpox and the largely successful eradication of polio, a War On Disease has identifiable goals. Like the War On Cancer, it is broad enough to include most major causes of hospitalization.
A War On Disease can mobilize America. It creates jobs. It promotes education, innovation, and iniative. It rewards Americans for doing something good for America.
Enlist in a War On Disease!