Time to Care

If medical care is an entitlement, our society cannot afford to pay for everything that is currently available. We need to set goals regarding who receives what care and for how long.

This requires rationing, by definition. In the US, rationing of medical care has always been with us. We are in denial, and we tend to avoid the term “rationing.” It’s perceived as un-American, so we refuse to acknowledge it.

One common method of rationing is by queue. People await their turn. Another method of rationing long in use in the US  is the limitation of  care through age discrimination. For example, organ transplants frequently are denied to those above a certain age.

Today in the US, rationing decisions are made by medical insurers based on profit motives. An individual’s healthcare needs are limited by the insurer’s financial goals. (more…)

To be perceived as fair in our egalitarian society, rights must be the same for everyone. Shouldn’t that apply to medical care as well?

Life is one of the inalienable rights set forth in our Declaration of Independence. But how healthy and how long a life is part of that inalienable right to life? The Constitution and Bill of Rights do not explicitly provide for health rights. Since this is not already covered as an American entitlement, maybe we need a Health Rights Amendment.

If everyone has the right to good health, this becomes a government fiscal responsibility. Our government, however, cannot possibly fund the good health to which everybody in the US may feel they are entitled today.

How should we define good health?  (more…)