The health care discussion seems to assume that for most Americans the big issues are either lowering cost or covering the uninsured. But to me, the part of the health care system most people seem most bothered about is the common practice of denying coverage based on pre-existing condition. If you have cancer or diabetes or any other illness that’s either chronic or recurring, you are treated as a pariah by the health care system. A job loss goes from being damaging to devastating. Those most in need of insurance–the sick—are the least able to get it. It’s the most inhumane part of the system.

The biggest news of the debate so far is that the health insurers have pretty much agreed to eliminate this provision as part of a broader reform. In our focus on the issues that still divide, we should pause to reflect on that monumental development.