The American health system is the most expensive in the world – with over 50% of personal bankruptcies caused by an inability to pay medical debt – yet delivers quality outputs and health outcomes below that of most developed nations. The failure to offer affordable, quality medical care to all has had a deleterious effect on the quality of our life and our economic well-being. A focus on the root cause of chronic diseases and potential cures for the underlying conditions rather than drugs designed to mask symptoms should deliver better health outcomes for all.