The 3 Aspects of All Healthcare Policy

By Pierce K. Kozlowski

Universality, Affordability, and Quality

Arron Carroll at the Jama Forum publication posits that the ideal healthcare system aims to possess three fundamental qualities: Universality, affordability, and quality. This is better known as the “Iron Triangle.” Universality means all citizens have access to healthcare. Affordability means the healthcare is affordable to both the state and the individual. Quality means the medical services are comprehensive, and inclusive of more diverse and uncommon medical conditions.

The iron triangle is an inherent trade-off and all healthcare policy is influenced around this rule. You can have 2 of the aforementioned qualities, but at the expense of the 3rd one. Different universal healthcare models have different combinations of these qualities. For example, a Publicly-Insured System typically aims to achieve universality and quality, or universality and affordability. And a Privately-Insured system typically aims to achieve affordability and quality. Notice both blueprints attempt to offer two [of the Iron Triangle] qualities, but never all three.

References

1. Aaron Carroll, MD. “The ‘Iron Triangle’ of Health Care: Access, Cost, and Quality.” JAMA Forum Archive, JAMA Network, 3 Oct. 2012,

jamanetwork.com/channels/health-forum/fullarticle/2760240.