Chronic Disease Not Key Issue in Democratic Debate
Americans believe health care plans must address chronic diseases, which account for 75% of costs and 70% of deaths
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 4, 2007) - Last night's Democratic Presidential debate touched on the issue of health care reform, with some candidates calling for greater prevention and a focus on chronic disease. Unfortunately, it was not the key debate topic it should have been considering Americans' desire for health care reform.
Chronic disease is the number one driver of health care costs and is responsible for seven out of every 10 deaths in the U.S. This is a serious issue and it deserves serious attention. We commend the candidates for raising the issue, but those who want to be the next President of the United States need to do more - they need to detail how they plan to tackle this epidemic.
About the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease:
The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) is a national coalition of patients, providers, community organizations, business and labor groups, and health policy experts committed to raising awareness of the number one cause of death, disability, and rising health care costs in the U.S.: chronic disease.
The PFCD's mission is to:
- Challenge policymakers - in particular, the 2008 presidential candidates - to make the issue of chronic disease a top priority and articulate how they will address the issue through their health care proposals
- Educate the public about chronic disease and potential solutions for individuals, communities, and the nation
- Mobilize Americans to call for change in how policymakers, governments, employers, health institutions, and other entities approach chronic disease
Leaders in the effort represent more than 50 leading organizations from across health care, business and labor including Aetna, American Academy of Family Physicians, Alliance for Aging Research, American Academy of Physician Assistants, American College of Nurse Practitioners, American College of Preventive Medicine, American Hospital Association, American Pharmacists Association Foundation, Disease Management Association of America, Kerr Drug, Integrated Benefits Institute, International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association, NAACP, Milken Institute, National Association of Manufacturers, National Medical Association, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Service Employees International Union, Sheet Metal Workers International Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and YMCA of the USA, among others.
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