title: Change in challenging times: a plan for extending and improving health coverage.
abstract: Some speculate that Americans are neither politically capable of nor morally committed to solving the health system problems. We disagree. We propose a plan that insures all and improves the value and cost-effectiveness of health care by knitting together employer-sponsored insurance and Medicaid; promoting prevention, research, and information technology; and financing its investments through a dedicated value-added tax. By prioritizing practicality, fairness, and responsibility, the plan aims to avoid ideological battles and prevent fear of major change. By emphasizing the moral imperative for change, especially relative to other options on the policy agenda, it aims to create momentum for expanding and improving health coverage for all.
authors.affiliation: George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC, USA. jlambrew@gwu.edu
authors.forename: Jeanne M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lambrew
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Podesta
authors.forename: Teresa L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Shaw
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health; D008484:Medicaid; D011050:Policy Making; D013660:Taxes; D014481:United States; D019472:Universal Health Insurance / Q000458:organization & administration*