Health Affairs

Posting date: May 19, 2004

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Health Affairs, 10.1377/hlthaff.w4.297
Copyright © 2004 by Project HOPE

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Perspective: Cost-Effectiveness: Will The Public Buy It Or Balk?

Marjorie E. Ginsburg ^1*

¹ Marjorie Ginsburg is executive director of Sacramento Healthcare Decisions in Rancho Cordova, California.

^*Corresponding author.

Abstract

The prospect of cost-effectiveness as a criterion for treatment for coverage decisions may be met with stiff resistance from the public. A characteristically American reverence for new technology and abhorrence at putting a price on life conflict with the premise of value-based decisions. Nevertheless, if particular checks and balances are incorporated, consumer acceptance is possible. Since health care leaders deny that cost plays a role in coverage decisions, it may be time for a more realistic and open public debate on how to incorporate cost to achieve an optimal allocation of resources.

Key Words: Business of Health, Consumer Issues, Health Spending, Managed Care, Managed Care - Physicians, Public Opinion, Quality of Care

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