PRESCRIPTION FOR PENNSYLVANIA Right State Right Plan Right Now: STRATEGIC PLAN

Abstract

The present system of providing health care was designed to treat acute illness, not control chronic diseases. In the face of rising levels of chronic disease and spiraling health care costs, governments, businesses, insurance companies and Pennsylvania families have, out of necessity, chosen to limit health care services, benefits and visits as ways of fighting expenses. Evidence is mounting around the country that exactly the opposite approach to chronic disease is more successful. Early, consistent and persistent health care intervention for those with chronic disease will likely be more cost-effective and will dramatically improve the quality of life for anyone with chronic disease. In May 2007 the Pennsylvania Chronic Care Management, Reimbursement and Cost Reduction Commission was created and its first requirement was to develop a strategic plan for a Chronic Care Model to improve the quality of care while reducing avoidable illnesses and their attendant costs. This report is part of that requirement.