In the United States alone, it's estimated that there are between 25-44 million people without healthcare insurance. Their only path to medical help is through emergency departments and other ad hoc encounters. This is a critical and economically unsustainable situation.

At the same time, consolidation of healthcare insurance companies in the U.S. over the past 10 years has been unprecedented, with more than 400 mergers. Encouraging competition will mean greater innovation and efficiency. These are outcomes that are sometimes stifled without the dynamics of a competitive marketplace. As we drive to have more people privately insured, we have to be sure that competition and the choices competitive forces foster are in place. It just makes sense that similar competitive dynamics are enforced across all the participants in the healthcare system.

Equity in healthcare access isn't just about insurance coverage. It also is about people being rewarded for maintaining healthy lives. Smoking cessation, proper diet and exercise should be encouraged in the same way as a positive credit rating or driving record is rewarded with lower rates. This does not mean we abandon the chronically ill or those whose illnesses are unexpected or linked to family history. Catastrophic insurance has to play a role in protecting people faced with major illnesses, accidents or the like.

Finally, why the wide range in the estimates of the uninsured population mentioned earlier - between 25-44 million? It's often attributed to people not knowing Medicaid and Medicare cover them. A strong effort must be made to communicate who is covered, how to access benefits, and what screening and other preventive care is available under government and private-pay policies. All consumers of healthcare will benefit from an increased understanding of what coverage their plans offer.

The healthcare industry exists for one reason: to deliver technologies and services that improve the quality, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of medical care. A healthcare system rooted in early health and emphasizing accessibility, affordability and consumer awareness will help deliver these benefits.