Chapter 17: Policymaking for Health Care, the Environment, and Energy

How does health care spending in the United States compare to spending in other democracies with developed economies?

The United States spends much more on health care.

Why does the fee-for-service model of health insurance pose problems for cost containment?

It gives doctors incentives to provide additional, sometimes unnecessary, services.

How does health care spending in the United States compare to spending in other democracies with developed economies?

The United States spends much more on health care.

Why does the fee-for-service model of health insurance pose problems for cost containment?

It gives doctors incentives to provide additional, sometimes unnecessary, services.

Medicaid primarily serves what population?

children and adults in low-income families

In which of the following ways did the Affordable Care Act increase the number of Americans with health insurance?

by expanding eligibility for Medicaid

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires government agencies to __________.

file environmental impact statements when their actions could disrupt the environment

What aspect of the Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 has limited its effectiveness?

The law does not control pollution from urban and agricultural runoff.

Since the Endangered Species Act passed in 1973, the number of species listed as endangered has __________, and the amount of money spent implementing the policy has __________.

increased; increased

The NIMBY phenomenon makes it difficult for government to do which of the following?

dispose of hazardous materials

The most abundant fuel in the United States is __________.

coal

What impact has hydraulic fracturing had on U.S. energy policy?

It has decreased U.S. reliance on foreign oil.

How did the environmental movement in the 1960s and 1970s affect the nuclear power industry?

It led to a decades-long halt in the construction of new nuclear plants.

What role is renewable energy likely to play in the foreseeable future?

It will remain a small contributor to U.S. energy supplies.

What stance do most Americans take when an issue arises involving complex technologies?

They take a stand, even if it is ill-informed.

Which statement best describes the role of interest groups in technical policy areas?

They help the public understand policy issues, and they help translate public opinion into policy.

How has the scope of government changed in the area of health care policy?

It has grown rapidly, but most health care providers are still private.

The pollution of the drinking water supply in Flint, Michigan, in 2016 illustrates __________.

the necessity of regulations to protect public health and safety

Which of the following contributes to the high cost of health care in the United States?

the development of new technologies, drugs, and procedures

How do people without health insurance differ from people with health insurance?

They have higher rates of infant mortality.

Suppose you enroll in a health maintenance organization (HMO). What restriction are you likely to face if you seek medical care covered by insurance?

You can only see a doctor within your network.

What factor helps to explain why AARP is a powerful advocate in support of Medicare?

AARP members regularly participate in elections.

The largest share of health care costs in the United States is paid by __________.

national, state, and local governments

The federal program to remove asbestos from schools in the 1980s illustrates what drawback of environmental policies?

They sometimes produce more problems than they solve.

The filing of environmental impact statements often serves as an opportunity for environmental groups to __________.

challenge the statements in court, thereby delaying construction projects

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires the government to __________.

protect all species listed as endangered, regardless of the economic cost

The Superfund law has been most successful in achieving what effect?

virtually eliminating haphazard dumping of toxic waste

Which of the following is an obstacle to government action to reduce global warming?

Some politicians do not trust the scientific evidence of global warming.

Which of the following is a drawback of reliance on coal as a fuel source?

It is the dirtiest fuel.

What do petroleum and natural gas have in common?

They both contribute to global warming

Why is U.S. dependence on foreign oil problematic?

Some nations that send oil to the United States are potential adversaries.

Which of the following factors has contributed to a reconsideration of nuclear power?

rising concern about global warming

A government policy addressing global warming would most likely have what impact on the scope of government?

It would require new regulations, thereby expanding the scope of government.