Public Health Policy: Government Roles, Funding, and Regulation

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the notes on public health policy, governance, funding, and regulatory structure.

Tragedy of the commons

A situation in which individuals overuse a shared resource (like water) because they act in their own self‑interest, depleting the resource for the group.

General welfare

Constitutional idea that the government should promote the health and well‑being of the population; health is part of general welfare even though not a specific right.

New Federalism

Policy approach that shifts public health responsibilities from the federal government back to the states, increasing state control and responsibility.

Medicaid

Means-tested health program funded jointly by federal and state governments for low‑income individuals, children, pregnant women, and some disabled people.

Medicare

Federal health insurance program funded by payroll taxes for people 65+ and certain disabled individuals; often requires supplemental coverage.

Federal share of Medicaid funding

The federal government typically provides about 65% of Medicaid funding, with states covering about 35%.

State health department

State-level agency (e.g., Texas Department of State Health Services) that licenses facilities, administers Medicaid, and runs public health programs.

Local public health agency

City or county public health offices performing immunizations, disease screening, sanitation, water/sewage management, and care for the poor.

Department of Health and Human Services (federal)

U.S. federal department that houses agencies like the CDC and oversees national health programs.

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; federal agency under HHS responsible for disease prevention and public health surveillance.

FDA vs USDA

FDA regulates dietary supplements and many foods; USDA regulates meat products; both oversee different parts of the food system.

Immunizations

Vaccinations delivered by public health programs to prevent infectious diseases and protect population health.

Public health funding

Financial resources for public health programs, typically raised through taxation and allocated by government.

Tom Selleck water example

Illustrates the tragedy of the commons: a wealthy individual using more than allotted water, limiting others' access.

Health as part of general welfare

Being healthy is part of general welfare; a healthy population supports economic stability and growth.

Local government health responsibilities

Localities manage day‑to‑day health tasks (immunizations, sanitation, water quality, garbage, care for the poor).

Federalism in public health

Distributes health powers between federal and state governments; states often lead public health delivery with federal support.

Legislation, regulation, enforcement roles

Legislature passes statutes; executive implements regulations to carry out laws; judiciary enforces them.

Taxation and spending power

Government authority to raise taxes and allocate funds to finance public health policy and services.

Public health data and surveillance

Local agencies collect disease data; state health departments analyze and report to federal bodies like the CDC.