This chapter introduces the fundamental premise that achieving a healthy society requires moving beyond access to clinical care and addressing the broader social determinants of health. While access to quality health care is essential, factors outside clinical settings – such as economic stability, education, social equity, and the built environment – account for 80 percent of health outcomes. The chapter explores health equity and justice, distinguishing these concepts from equality and advocating for systemic changes to address underlying inequalities. Various global health care models (Beveridge, Bismarck, National Health Insurance, and Out-of-Pocket) are presented, highlighting the fragmented nature of the US system. The 6Ps framework (patients, policy makers, providers, pharmacies, pharmaceuticals, and payers) is introduced as a tool to analyze and optimize health care policy. Finally, the chapter emphasizes the interplay between diversity, health, and policy, illustrating the importance of inclusivity and justice in creating equitable and effective health systems.

This final chapter brings the themes of the book to a meaningful conclusion by focusing on the evolving roles of patients and providers in fostering a more inclusive and equitable health care system. It emphasizes patient-centric care, where patients actively participate in decision-making processes, validating their voices as integral to health care delivery. The chapter explores Community-Engaged Health care as a transformative model that empowers communities and addresses health disparities. It also examines financial incentive models, advocating for a shift from fee-for-service structures to value-based care and patient-reported outcome measures to align care with patient needs. Drawing lessons from the pandemic, the chapter highlights the benefits of community-centered care and expanded provider roles. Concluding the book’s journey through the complexities of health care policy, it calls for collaborative efforts among stakeholders – the 6 Ps (patients, policy makers, pharmacies, pharmaceuticals, payers, and providers) – to establish patient-focused health care policies that prioritize people over politics, leaving readers with a vision for an inclusive health care future.