Vision for Optimal HealthA healthcare system that is responsive to the needs and realities of Americans is achievable and sustainable. Having a clear upon vision and clear goals of healthcare is essential for moving the conversation from short term to long term thinking and focuses our debate on how to achieve the vision of best healthcare for all Americans. Without a clear vision and goals, we will continue to be stuck in the current dysfunctional system.In order to best address the complexity of the varied challenges of the healthcare system, we recognize that there are specific situations that require healthcare engagement. The nine interrelated categories of health conditions experienced by all individuals provide a baseline of care and allows for more specific best practices and strategies to be implemented to address specific conditions. Each group has its own definitions of optimal care and treatment priorities. The initiative utilizes a 10-year plan to ensure the healthcare needs of every individual can be met effectively and efficiently, while also addressing strategies to achieve optimal public health outcomes. Particular focus will be on the role of Health Information Technology’s role in achieving our vision. Citizens4HealthC4H_581c881c-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb6Citizens4Health seeks to be an organization of citizens intent on re-framing the public debate on the healthcare challenges facing our nation. At present we are a self funded "labor of love". The eventual organization form (non for profit) will be defined by future needs and resources. We have created a number of initiatives that invite citizens to imagine and engage in a process that brings about a sustainable healthcare system which provides excellent services that are affordable and accessible to all Americans. We focus the conversation on one, simple question: How can we all, patients, doctors and health care institutions; citizens, non-for profit organizations and government; consumers and the "private" sector corporations; achieve effective solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare system? GovernmentThe role of government -- Government is society’s solution to common problems we can’t solve as individuals. Citizens4healh believes it is the government’s responsibility to maximize citizens’ autonomy while ensuring justice and equal opportunity. We call for more local, responsive solutions that allow people to govern themselves, combined with a strong federal government serving as an incubator and watchdog. CitizensThe role of citizenship -- Society demands informed citizens who are able work together to promote the general welfare of all Americans. Working together, citizens, government, for-profit companies, nonprofit organizations and other healthcare stakeholders can achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes to the big issues we face. Citizens4health calls for transparency and accountability whenever taxpayer money is used to promote the public good. We believe increased collaboration between government, the private sector and nonprofit organizations, each doing what they do best, is the most effective way to address our most pressing challenges and give everyone the opportunity to be part of the solution. A sustainable system that provides access to quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans._581c881d-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb6To create a vision for optimal health for all Americans and a road-map to get there_581c881e-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb6Citizen ActionCitizens4Health is dedicated to citizen action that will bring about a just, affordable and effective healthcare system that is available for all Americans. JusticeAffordabilityEffectivenessAvailabilityCitizen DialogueCitizens4Health provides a framework for meaningful citizen dialogue that is built on the foundation of respect, facts, and dedication to American democracy and values.RespectAmerican DemocracyAmerican ValuesOrganizationCitizens4Health organizes, educates, encourages and provides tools for citizen engagement locally and nationally with politicians, stakeholders and special interests.EducationEncouragementToolsCitizen EngagementPolitical DiscourseThe role of political and social discourse -- Recent advances in technology have made vast amounts of information available to us and allow for discourse fueled by measurable data and honest dialogue. But accountability is essential. Social DiscourseInformation TechnologyThe role of information technology in political life -- Technology provides an opportunity for citizens and other groups to engage with many different healthcare industry stakeholders to drive innovation and change. Citizens4health believes digital tools should be used to provide accurate information, connect local groups and shape the public discourse.Measurable DataHonest DialogueAccountabilityFactsThe facts we work from to bring about change must be accurate and transparent. AccuracyTransparencyDisagreementCitizens4health believes that disagreement is essential to finding real solutions, and we won’t shy away from conversations that identify conflicts and help bring about a consensus focused on solutions. ConsensusHealthcareEvery American has access to quality affordable healthcare_581c881f-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb61AmericansBy November 2020 every American has access to quality affordable healthcare. (See our Healthcare Bill or Rights)Coverage100% of the population is insured_581c8820-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb61.1The United States achieves healthcare insurance coverage for all Americans. The insurance provides all Americans with basic benefits for medical care, including prevention, acute care, chronic care, and end-of-life care. The coverage guarantees access to health and medical services that are evidence based and clinically indicated. The coverage is reliable, citizen-based, lifelong, portable, and is independent of preexisting conditions, employment status, geographic residence, and age. Coverage cannot be dropped because of medical status.Access100% of Americans have access to healthcare services_581c8821-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb61.2Healthcare services are timely (no needless delays), equitable (no unjustified variation) comprehensive (including emergency and long term care), available, and easily accessible, offering choice of provider and treatment options that are evidence-based.Quality#1 Quality of healthcare delivered_581c88bc-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb61.3The quality of healthcare of the US is the best in the world. Quality healthcare based on the latest evidence for healthcare that is: Safe (no harm), Efficient (no waste), Effective (no needless failures), Patient Centered (no helplessness or unjustified routines), coordinated and competent healthcare.Affordability & SustainabilityCost of healthcare services is affordable and sustainable for individuals, businesses, and government_581c89ac-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb61.4IndividualsBusinessesGovernment0 is the number of Americans that have to file for bankruptcy due to medical costs. The cost of healthcare for the individual is not increased by more than the cost of inflation. This includes all costs. The total cost including cost of healthcare insurance, out of pocket expenses, deductibles; treatments must be affordable and in no way constitute a barrier for achieving the purpose of healthcare coverage, accessing needed healthcare services.ExpendituresGDP + 1% Yearly increases of healthcare expenditures do not exceed increase in GDP plus one percent_581c8b32-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb61.50 The number of Americans who stay at their current employment due to fear of not being able to get or afford healthcare coverage. Costs to Business0 The number of businesses whose cost of providing healthcare benefits to their employees impedes their local and global competitiveness._581c8c18-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb61.6BusinessesGovernment ExpendituresTotal governmental health expenditures are no more than 20% of GDP._581c8d44-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb61.7GovernmentInnovationHealthcare innovation through research in services and products that leads to continued improvement in the health status of the population. _581c8e3e-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb62AmericansAll Americans have the expectation that innovation and advanced treatments will be developed and available to improve their lives._581c8f24-db17-11e3-bd6d-df4d73c0beb62014-05-13http://www.citizens4health.com/RelId/606377/ISvars/default/Vision_for_Optimal_Health.htmOwenAmburOwen.Ambur@verizon.net