The Pillars of Health Care Reform
True health care reform centers on four "pillars" of Patients' Rights:
- Choice
- Competition
- Accountability
- Personal Responsibility
A patient must have the right to choose their own
doctor, and must protect a consumer's right to choose the health insurance that best fits their needs and budget.
Leveling the playing field for doctors, insurers,
and consumers will result in healthy competition that drives down costs and increases favorable outcomes. Providers should publicly post their
prices so consumers can shop and compare. States should eliminate burdensome regulations so insurance companies can compete equally across state lines.
Making health care services more accessible,
transparent and open through standardized insurance claims forms and equal tax breaks for individuals and companies will control costs by
helping consumers and businesses compare "apples to apples" across the health care spectrum.
Placing responsibility squarely where it belongs, on the shoulders of the patient, will encourage individuals make to make healthy lifestyle choices. Infusing personal responsibility into health care reform allows us all to maintain our
cherished freedom to live our lives without government intrusion.
CPR takes a look at 16 plans that have been discussed, written about or offered up as legislation. Which plans provide that the individual patient can make their own choices regarding the health care they seek? Which plans promote competition within the health care industry? Which plans are just too costly? Read about and compare the different health care plans here.