Free Cronic Disease Treatment via Univeristy Medicine

According to John McCain's health care plan, chronic illness consumes about three quarters of the nations health care bill. Due to the high expense of dealing with such disease's, I believe our primary goal should be curing them. We can do this while treating individuals by leveraging the countries top notch medical schools and university hospital systems.

The government, via some agency such as the FDA or other qualified group, should define exactly what qualifies as a chronic condition. If someone is diagnosed with one of these conditions then the patient will have the option to enter the government supported program. This system will provide the patients with free treatment for the condition until the patient is healed or deceased. But, if the patient chooses to enter this program they must essentially give themselves over to science. All treatment will do done through a participating university medicine system. This means all patients will be used for research and for teaching.

Benefits:
Patients have the opportunity for free treatment for otherwise costly illness.

Insurance companies do not have to foot the bill for very expensive coverage of chronic diseases thereby reducing the cost passed on to everyone else.

Society benefits from the scientific advancements, research, and medical education gained by our medical professionals.

Issues:
Defining the list of chronic diseases could be a touchy subject as could the diagnosis. I can see the potential for abusing this system.

Some people could be wary of giving themselves over to science. It must be clear that doctors are providing treatment whose main goal is the patients well being. Also, the program is optional. Those who can afford private treatment may do so.

Can the university system handle this program? Obviously, spending would have to increase in order to expand both the breadth and depth of the medical university systems including expanding the geographic reach.

Pharmaceuticals and equipment will be costly. Something should be worked out with equipment companies and drug companies so the university's will have access the equipment they need. Tax incentives to the companies as well as trading research could do the trick.