Comprehensive Health Care Reform Should Be National Priority

By Billy Tauzin
President and CEO, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

With the health care reform debate intensifying across America, we have taken every opportunity to remind lawmakers and the public that continued medical progress is critically important to patients, the economy and the future of America. Health care reform should focus on both on meeting patients’ needs today, as well as promoting the innovation and research to provide even better treatments and cures in the future. Yes, saving money is important, but so is saving lives.

Today, millions of Americans suffer from largely preventable chronic disease -- a key health care cost driver in our country. The Milken Institute has estimated that lost workdays and lower employee productivity due to chronic disease resulted in an annual economic loss in the U.S. of more than $1 trillion in 2003. If we are going to bend the curve on rising health care spending, then we have to seriously address the chronic disease epidemic.

We agree with President Obama: every American should have access to high-quality, affordable health care coverage and services. If done in a smart way, health care reform will benefit patients, the economy and the future of America.

In life, we get precious few opportunities to fundamentally improve the lives of people all across our great nation. This is one of those times, and we commend the President for his vision and willingness to be open to new and different ideas.

Today, millions of Americans lack insurance coverage or have excessive co-pays that force them to pass on needed medical treatments. This not only has a detrimental effect on patient health, it also impacts job stability and economic growth in America. Yet, saving money is only part of the solution; saving lives is critically important, too.

That's why we believe any health reform package must foster continued medical progress and innovation in America. If we are going to cure cancer in our lifetime -- as the President has challenged us to do -- we can't be afraid of taking chances. Innovative new medicines and therapies have dramatically increased life expectancy rates in America and around the world, allowing patients everywhere to live healthier, more productive lives.

Achieving bipartisan, comprehensive health care reform this year should be a national priority. This is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a real difference. We will continue to be a constructive partner to help meet this goal.