Inadequate reach of proven programs for treatment of many chronic diseases

Quality, affordable healthcare is a cornerstone of financial security and a healthy, productive life — and it should be available to every American. But today, surging costs are eating away at coverage, families are being forced to go without the healthcare they need, and more people are uninsured than ever before. There are no easy answers when it comes to making our healthcare system work for everyone, but it is clear that we cannot succeed unless we seriously address chronic illness.

Millions of Americans with chronic diseases do not get the care they need — and everyone pays the price. The scourge of chronic disease is far reaching. It includes cancer and heart disease and it is responsible for seven out of every 10 deaths in the United States. More than 75 cents of every dollar we spend on healthcare today goes to treat patients with chronic disease.

There is little mystery here. When it comes to most chronic illnesses we are not waiting for some new science or a magic cure. Our public health system has long sought to enhance quality of life and prevent costly diseases before they reach our more traditional healthcare system. We know what works, but simply have not committed the resources or the attention to make prevention a priority. That is a tragedy because many successful initiatives — in schools, workplaces and communities — have already shown just what is possible when we strive to promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention and management in every community.

In Congress we worked to create the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program that provides access to critical breast and cervical cancer screening services for underserved women in the United States. Since its launch 16 years ago, the program has served more than 2.9 million women. And last year, for the first time we funded powerful new outreach and research under Johanna’s Law, legislation I cosponsored to raise awareness about gynecologic cancers among women and their health care providers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WISEWOMAN (Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation) provides low-income, under-insured or uninsured middle-aged women with screening and knowledge to prevent cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease ranks as America’s number-one killer and, with one in three female adults facing some form of cardiovascular disease, this program shows how prevention can make the difference between life or death.

It is a good investment, too. A recent study found the WISEWOMAN program to be very cost-effective because of its success in reducing risk for chronic diseases. In this study, the program extended women’s lives at a cost of $4,400 per estimated year of life saved, as opposed to a much higher cost of $26,000 per estimated year of life saved by heart bypass surgery.

Unfortunately, even these effective, proven programs reach only a fraction of the women who could actually take advantage of them. Through 2007, CDC funded 13 state health departments and two tribal organizations to offer WISEWOMAN programs. It makes common sense to bring this effective program to women in all 50 states. The HEART for Women Act, sponsored by Rep. Lois Capps (D-Calif.), would do just that. I am proud to support this legislation, which last week was reported from the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

This year the Labor Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee rejected the president’s cuts to the CDC’s public health investments in preventing and controlling chronic diseases, increasing funds $156 million above than last year.

Our country deserves comprehensive healthcare reform that makes sure everybody has access to appropriate preventive care and that promotes healthier lifestyles through appropriate screening, better diets, and increased physical activity. And with new leadership in the White House we can, finally, begin to address the healthcare crisis.

When only 56 percent of those with chronic disease receive clinically appropriate care, it is clear we have to find a better way. Now is the time to push forward, when the national conversation and the political spotlight has turned to healthcare. I believe that the years ahead will see serious action to change the way we finance healthcare, make it affordable, and ensure all have coverage. For our nation to succeed, we must renew our commitment to prevention. We cannot afford not to.

DeLauro is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.