DEFINING THE PROBLEM: IT’S ABOUT THE “UNCARED FOR”

We all know what the problem is. More than 30 million Americans are without health insurance, limiting their access to affordable, high-quality care. However, the number of uninsured persons will not answer the most relevant question: What percentage of uninsured Americans need care today in each of our respective communities? The problem with filling headlines with large national estimates is that it discourages interventions that could be undertaken today, thereby reinforcing the cop-out that “it is just too much for us to deal with.” So rather than be overwhelmed and discouraged by the numbers, it is helpful to remember: The objective is to fast-track care initiatives that will help the uninsured members of our communities who need care. Although providing health insurance is the essential long-term solution, the essence of a community solution today is not about insurance, but rather it is about how medical practitioners can provide the much needed clinical care.