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Dr. Donald M. Berwick

In health care, cheaper can mean better

By Dr. Donald M. Berwick

 |   

  May 14, 2012

An Irish adage says: “When you come to a wall that is too high to climb, throw your hat over the wall, and then go get your hat.” That’s what Massachusetts started with its 2006 law requiring just about everyone to get coverage and arranging to make that coverage affordable. Now, it’s time to get the hat. Legislation to contain costs is the necessary sequel. When we are wasting $1 in of every $3, it makes no sense to say we cannot afford to make health care a human right without rationing. Don’t cut care. Cut waste.

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