This book reviews historical and political events that led to legislation that shaped our current haphazard, costly, and inequitable health non-system that delivers the world's best care to the well endowed and well insured but is not available to 15% of Americans and drives millions more into bankruptcy. It describes the impact of participants’ self- interest including provider incentives, consumer dis-incentives, malpractice litigation, and political interference that perpetuate a supply-driven industry that although costly lags behind other industrialized nations’ in access, coverage, and quality of care available to the average American, and is plagued by overuse and fraud that will not be solved by the Affordable Care Act. The last chapter outlines a blueprint towards an equitable health system that delivers affordable quality of care by reducing provider and consumer overuse and by curbing malpractice litigation abuse and political meddling. Indeed, the responsibility for the unacceptable status quo is widely shared and so must be the solution. The day-to-day administration of the new system would be entrusted to a politically insulated Federal Health Board headed by a Fed-like Chairman.
Best prices Softcover - ISBN-978-0-87586-975-9 Publ Date: April 2013 |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Reviews: "The Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) has resulted in a plethora of books praising it, teaching about it, or complaining about it. Faguet's book is a bit of all three. ACA, notes Faguet (retired, Georgia Health Sciences Univ.), will achieve notable policy goals as it ensures that more American will have access to health care...His chief argument is that ACA is a flawed solution to the real problems inherent in American health care. Beyond repairing the health insurance market, a universal, quality-driven system must be created. Faguet proposes three policy initiatives: a redesigned system structure and revised delivery of care methods and payment incentives for this care. To achieve these goals, a federal health board - similar to the Federal Reserve Board - needs to be established. Faguet hopes this board will be more immune to political intrusion than Congress is when it comes to reform... The book is written for the public and, for them it will prove a most useful book. Summing up: Highly recommended." T.P. Gariepy, Chair of Heathcare Administration Stonehill College. Choice, April 2014 |