What is CAUSE?

CAUSE is a comprehensive approach to health care reform that began as a frank
discussion between a doctor and his patient about the problems of the current
health care system. Two years later that physician and experts at the Central Valley
Health Policy Institute, California State University, Fresno, created a comprehensive
approach to health care reform: CAUSE.

The CAUSE team resides in one of the most underserved regions in the nation—
a region that is similar to many in the U.S. Their personal experiences with a system
that denies basic health care to millions augments the expertise they bring to
this work.

CAUSE is not only an approach, but also a detailed plan for a rational overhaul
of the nation’s current ineffective, unfair, and nearly bankrupt health care system
—a system that fails to provide any health coverage to some 47 million people.

CAUSE stands for the five principles defined by the Institute of Medicine as critical
to guiding the reform of the health care system:

CONTINUOUS coverage, with no lapses
AFFORDABLE to individuals, businesses, and government
UNIVERSAL in that everyone has access to a basic level of care
SUSTAINABLE because everyone contributes, everyone participates,
and costs are managed
EFFECTIVE in providing high-quality care to everyone

	Download the CAUSE Overview: Learn more about the CAUSE approach to health care reform (PDF) Download PDF - Spanish version
	Comparison Chart: See how the CAUSE approach compares to other proposals (PDF)
	CAUSE Implementation Covering 4 distinct phases, this documents examines the 15-year implementation of the CAUSE approach
	The CAUSE Approach A more detailed look at how the CAUSE approach will provide quality, affordable health care for everyone (PDF)