Daschle describes health care as a pyramid good primary care and wellness are at the base of the pyramid. Sophisticated medical technology is at the top. And in the United States, Daschle says that pyramid has been inverted.
"Every country starts at the base of the pyramid and works their way up until the money runs out. In the United States, we actually start at the top of the pyramid and work our way down until the money runs out. In spite of the fact that we now 8,000 dollars per capita, the money does run out."
The former Senate majority leader says people often confuse quality of care with outcomes the United States has the most advanced medical technology in the world, but not everyone has access to it.
Friday's summit focused on policy, not politics. But as the debate rages in Washington, Daschle identified bridging the ideological divide as the biggest challenge to lawmakers.
Other countries have already determined what role the government should play in health care, he said.
"Some people still call our system a private system. It's not a private system. It's a hybrid public/private system where almost half of the resources allocated go to public entities and half go to private entities."
As for a public option, Daschle predicts that one will pass but he says it will probably offer flexibility for states to opt in or out.
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