Health Debate: Costs and Benefits
Letter to the Editor
New York Times
August 5, 2009
To the Editor:
Universal coverage and cost control are not conflicting aims.
Canada spends 10 percent of gross domestic product on health care, and everyone is covered. The United States spends 16 percent of G.D.P., but tens of millions lack coverage. The cost difference is almost entirely due to higher administrative costs and higher prices, which are directly related to the economics of a multi-payer system.
The lessons from Canada and other countries are clear. If you focus on cost control, you will fail. If you cover everyone because it’s decent and just, you will also achieve economic sustainability.
America, it’s time to do the right thing and then reap the rich rewards of moral public policy.
Michael M. Rachlis
Toronto, Aug. 2, 2009
The writer, a doctor, is a health policy consultant.