Seven Provocative Principles for Health Care Reform

HEALTH CARE MANAGERS ACROSS INDUSTRIALIZED NAtions have embraced innovations such as modernized information systems, improved integration of services, and better design of financial incentives. However, debate about “big picture” policy remains highly polarized. That observation is underscored in the United States by political responses and legal challenges to the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Meanwhile, north of the border, there is renewed controversy regarding the public financing of Canada’s provincial single-payer health plans. This Viewpoint accordingly sets out 7 principles for broad health care reform, with particular reference to the US and Canadian health care systems.