Perspectives  






The future of U.S. health care

Eric Wright and Eric Meslin Health care reform tops the domestic agenda for the 2008 presidential elections, with rising costs and coverage for the uninsured remaining prime issues for policymakers. Michael Moore's popular documentary Sicko also has helped focus attention on the poor health record in the U.S. compared to other industrialized nations. IU health policy experts say change is drastically needed, but fixing the problem will require everyone to sacrifice -- which few Americans are prepared to do.  Full Story

Alcohol and drug abuse: crucial health topics to address during reform

Linda Chezem

After serving as a judge for more than two decades in Indiana, Linda Chezem can't understand why "drug courts" have been established as separate arms of the justice system. "Who are you kidding? Every court is drug court. Every court is alcohol court," she said. "When I was a judge I used to say, 'As long as we have alcohol, I will always have plenty of cases to keep me busy.'" Chezem, an IU law alumna, has been working with the National Institutes of Health to examine cost-effective means of addressing alcoholism before the problem leads to criminal activity.

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States initiate health care reform

Shot

A report from the Center for Health Policy at IUPUI states, "More than ten states have enacted legislation and several more have created committees or workgroups to study the health care issue. States are leading the way in the absence of comprehensive federal health care reform. With skyrocketing costs, the number of uninsured of all incomes increasing yearly, and a system operating inefficiently, reform is one of the most pressing problems facing our nation and the economy."

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A crucial voice: Choice of doctors, coverage for specialists top health care issues for people with disabilities

Healthcare and Disabilities

A recent survey led by Vicki Pappas of the Indiana Insitute on Disability and Community at IU Bloomington identified top health care problems and needs for people with disabilities. Respondents said that choice of health care providers was the most important feature to include in health care reform legislation, followed by coverage for specialists, low co-pays, dental coverage and preventive care. Coverage of prescription drugs and mental health services were also top issues for people with disabilities.

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Health reform will fail unless prevention becomes a priority

Lloyd Kolbe

In 2005, the United States spent $2 trillion on health care -- that's $6,700 per capita. It amounts to 16 percent of the country's gross domestic product. By 2009, expenses are projected to reach $2.9 trillion. "Health expenditures are rising at twice the rate of inflation," says Lloyd Kolbe, a professor of applied health sciences at IU's School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. In this piece, Kolbe gives his thoughts on the American health care system and offers suggestions on what to do.

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Listening tour gets input on Indiana health care reforms

Blood Pressure

Indiana residents are expressing their opinions about proposed health care reforms during the Healthcare Reform Options Listening Tour taking place across the state. The listening tour, conducted by Indiana University faculty experts, began in late October and runs into December, with stops in 14 Indiana communities.

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