Med Ethics - Health Care as a Right

What is a primary consequence of treating health care as a profit-driven commodity?

Many people remain uninsured, leading to a lack of preventive care and higher overall costs.

What is the primary goal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) regarding health insurance?

To bridge the gap in coverage by offering free insurance or subsidies to those who qualify.

How does Utilitarianism justify health care as a right?

It argues that universal health care produces the maximum happiness and the greatest good for the greatest number.

How does Kantian Deontology support health care as a right?

It posits that individuals should be treated as ends in themselves, necessitating care.

What is Rawls's 'veil of ignorance' argument for health care?

It suggests that the right to health care maximizes self-interest when one does not know their own position in society.

What does Natural Law Theory emphasize regarding health care?

The promotion of self-preservation and the Principle of Totality.

How do Virtue and Care Ethics justify universal health care?

By acting on virtues of compassion and empathy, prioritizing people over profits.

What constitutional basis is often cited for health care as a political right in the U.S.?

The General Welfare Clause.

According to Kai Nelson, what is the purpose of justice in a health care system?

To strike a balance between the competing ideals of equality and autonomy.

Why does Kai Nelson argue that equality is necessary for liberty?

Liberty cannot flourish without an equality of condition, as impoverished lives limit true autonomy.

What is the main argument for removing medicine from the private sector?

To meet the health care needs of everyone in society as efficiently and fully as possible.

What is a common objection to health care as a right based on personal responsibility?

The belief that individuals should commit their own resources to health insurance and lifestyle choices.

What is the key counterpoint to the argument that health care is just another commodity?

Unlike other commodities, lack of health care leads to suffering, disability, and death.

How does universal health care potentially offset the cost of higher taxes?

Through savings on insurance premiums, deductibles, copays, and prescription drug costs.

How does the text respond to the claim that government-run health care would lead to rationing?

Private insurance already rations care; government oversight would be more responsive to consumer concerns.

Does the ACA classify health care as a fundamental right?

No, it aims for universal coverage through a regulated market rather than establishing it as a right.

What is John Geyman's primary criticism of the ACA?

It remains captured by corporate interests and the profit motive, keeping health care a commodity.

What does Geyman propose as an alternative to the ACA?

A National Health Insurance program.

What is a benefit of removing the profit motive from medicine according to Geyman?

It allows physicians to practice evidence-based medicine without perverse business incentives.

What evidence suggests the U.S. is moving toward universal health care?

The popularity of the ACA and growing public dissatisfaction with market-based approaches.

What is the 'Principle of Totality' in the context of health care?

A concept within Natural Law Theory that supports the preservation of the human person.

How does the ACA impact the risk pool for insurance companies?

Critics argue the risk pool remains too limited, allowing companies to avoid sicker enrollees.

What is the relationship between social institutions and moral standing?

Social institutions must provide material conditions that allow everyone to have equal moral standing.

Why is the distinction between 'moral right' and 'legal right' important in the U.S. health care debate?

Because while ethical theories may support health care as a right, it is not currently recognized as an economic or legal right in the U.S.