Because the non-health part of the private sector has been at the forefront of efforts to increase the value of care delivered in the U.S. and rightly so, they have as much to gain from better value as anybody. I still remember the clarion call of Intel’s former CEO, Andrew Grove, in his New England Journal of Medicine piece over 4 years ago.
Earlier this year, the Business Roundtable released its Health Care Value Comparability study, which shows that health care costs put U.S. workers and businesses at a competitive disadvantage with global competitors. Additionally, it showed that this disparity is increasing.
If one looks at the Roundtable’s principles for reform, one can see that they clearly advocate “10. All Americans should be made aware of end-of-life care options.” In fact, the organization’s principles are sound and similar to the reform bills currently under consideration. Yes, the details may differ, but they are thoughtful, reasonable and in the negotiable ballpark.
Same thing with the National Federation of Independent Business. What they want out of healthcare reform is also reasonable and within negotiable distance.
Which brings me to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Their motto is “fighting for your business” and that seems to typify their approach to health care reform. From their website, it appears their ardent support for their clients is at cross-purposes with the current climate of compromise. As reported by the AP today, the Chamber started running 30-second spots in about 20 states criticizing the Democratic proposal to offer optional government health coverage.
All this leads me to why I wrote this post in the first place. Why, during the tumultuous last week and all the misinformation swirling around, are these organizations silent? Why are we left to see interviews with leaders of various “astroturf” organizations. Especially when business organizations have such a large leadership role and, in large part, share principles with current reform efforts.
There are various possible explanations for this vacuum. Their leadership may be slow to respond due to organizational inertia. They may not want to cash in their chips and thus, have taken the easier “wait and see” approach. They may be slowed by internal divisions (health care interests are a large part of their membership). And finally, it may be that they are concerned about the balance of power in Congress and don’t mind Democrats (and unions) getting bruised up a bit.
Regardless of the reason, we need our business community to lead and their absence concerns me. Leaders work together to address the most pressing issue of the day and true leaders sacrifice short-term goals for long-term gain. By either of these standards, our business community is currently lacking. ~BAA
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