Whereas, Health is fundamental to the self evident truth of our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of joy.
Whereas, Health, for independent, self actualized, competent adults, is primarily the responsibility of the individual. Our lifestyle choices significantly determine our quality of life based on our inherited and acquired constitution (e.g. genetics, miasms) and innate vitality. Our choice of health care provider and method is basic to our right of self determination.
Whereas, individual choice and health quality is powerfully influenced and limited by society and environment.
Whereas, individual choices affect community and environment in relationship to other beings, human and all life. We are interdependent in the web of life. Thus the need for government to regulate individual action in regard to impact on others.
Whereas, regulation of quality of health care services is a civic affair that is a function of government, whether local, state or federal.
Whereas, America's economy is primarily based on captialism and free enterprise, and economic regulation is another function of government.
Whereas, the Health Care provider and insurance industries are a significant sector of our economy. Many individuals earn their livelihood from employment in these health related industries. Significant human resources and capital is invested.
Whereas, the health insurance provider industry is for profit, and this tends to value profit above human health.
Whereas, the majority of health care insurance in the United States is provided as an employee benefit by employers, which is a significant business expense that affects companies' ability to compete globally.
Whereas, Health care providers such as both conventional medical (e.g. doctors, nurses, physical therapists, counselors, technicians, etc) and holistic or complementary health professionals (acupuncturists, chiropractors, naturopaths, massage therapists, yoga instructors, etc.) invest considerable resources in education, training, facilities, equipment and inventory.
Whereas, some health care services by their invasive nature have inherent risk for inflicting harm, or may influence choice away from potentially safer or more effective treatment.
Whereas, most, if not all chronic diseases, (exceptions: trauma, infections, etc.) may be understood to be pre-existent conditions, as chronic diseases develop cellularly and energetically often for years before they manifest in physical pathology and diagnosis.
Whereas, health care services are a significant cost of living. Providers need a reasonable and fair return on their investment. Some one, either individual, employer or government needs to pay.
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Therefore, the following are options for government determined health care reform policy based on the above circumstances and fundamentals.
Health Care Reform must continue to provide and/or expand individual freedom of choice of provider and method.
Health Care Reform must encourage free enterprise and diversity of choice, including integrative medicine combining conventional medicine and complementary and alternative medical therapies.
Health Care Reform must encourage health via education and practical programs in healthy lifestyles, such as physical activity, nutrition, and stress management. For examples, food selection, cooking, gardening, mindfulness, and yoga.
Health Care Reform needs provision of incentives to motivate positive changes in lifestyle. Emphasize the reward and encouragement of healthy behavior, rather than judgment and punishment of negative.
Health Care Reform must mandate that health insurance providers assume risk and provide universal access to health care services without exclusion for pre-existent conditions. Premiums need to reflect this provision. Premiums would reward low risk, healthy individuals.
Health Care Reform needs a public government based option, and universal health coverage for catastrophic illness to prevent destitution and bankruptcy combined with fee for services with individual choice may be ideal.
Health Care Reform needs malpractice limits to acknowledge human providers make mistakes, and to encourage reduction in excessive expenses from defensive medicine.
Health Care Reform needs to emphasize the value of human health and quality of life for humans and the environment, the sacredness of all life, over profit for industry providers and investors.
Health Care Reform needs to evolve a humane, ethical council of wise elders and experts to guide and honor individual and families values and choice, and determine limits of public provision of care in terminal or catastrophic illness.
Please view the YouTube video on Naturopathic Medicine for another excellent perspective on Health Care Reform: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0hX_fI8-x0
Author: Brent Mathieu is a resident of Boise, Idaho with 30 plus years experience in natural health care.