American Health Costs Outweigh Benefits: A difficult lesson

Yesterday, NY Times columnist David Leonhardt argued that President Obama must convince Americans that the country's health care costs outweigh the benefits. After observing my grandmother struggle to compare health care costs and benefits, I know the President faces a difficult task.

My grandmother struggled to compare health care costs and benefits during her battle with cancer. For the price of innovative, high-tech, specialty care, she received painful chemical injections, disquieting overnight stays in the hospital, and slightly increased odds of returning to the golf course - odds already slim for a 92 year-old. Despite the high costs and the poor chances of benefit, the decision to abandon this care regimen still proved difficult. Only after enduring three rounds of chemo did my grandmother decide to end the treatment. A few days after her decision, she passed away peacefully, at home with her family.

Now President Obama must help all Americans in their struggle to weigh health care costs and benefits. His task includes pointing out that, like my grandmother, Americans receive dubious benefits for the price of innovative, high-tech, specialty care. The results of American health care include poorer health outcomes than many other developed nations, and variable health care access and quality throughout the country. Making this clear to Americans will be a struggle because, unlike my grandmother, many patients remain unaware of the costs. If the President can overcome this lack of knowledge, perhaps he can convince Americans to act like my grandmother and peacefully abandon high-cost, low-benefit health care. Tonight's news conference will be a good place to attempt this good work.

Add a comment below or contact Sam: samjmhealth@gmail.com