On one hand, people really shouldn't end up financially devastated after treating an illness. I'm sure we all feel some mental stress at the thought that if something catastrophic and unexpected happens we may be financially screwed the rest of our lives.
On the other hand...a lot of people do a lot of stupid things that I don't necessarily want to pay for. Smoking and obesity are two very costly life style choices (Note: I'm aware some people are obese because of medical reasons, I'm not talking about them). And I'm not sure I feel it's fair to pass those costs onto the rest of us who don't smoke and keep a healthy weight and keep our cholesterol and blood pressure and whatnot in a healthy range. Ultimately though, we could get way too nitpicky about "who is doing what to themselves and shouldn't get covered".
In a perfect world I think a non-profit health insurance system should be created that everyone has to buy into. On top of that, to keep costs down, the majority of people would try to stay healthy and doctors wouldn't be paid per test. However, I don't think anything we do will work unless we address why health care costs so much and start taking responsibility for our own health.
Rights are freedom from others, protection from violence, force, etc. They are not freedom to services provided by other people. To claim a right to services is to take away the "traditional" rights of the people who will be forced to provide and pay for those services. This creates a conflict, whereas the right to freedom is equal for everyone.
It makes no sense to declare health a human right; not while there are medical conditions that can't be helped. It's like a right not to be struck by lightning.
It makes more sense to declare healthcare a human right. Naturally this requires the idea of rights as "whatever tax-funded entitlements are bestowed upon the citizens by the duly elected government" which seems unpopular around here.
I think the whole debate needs to be reframed in terms of a new perspective of self-interest. A healthy population will contribute more to society and make for a healthier, more robust society. A more interesting and enjoyable place in which to live.
Personally, I also find a moral component. An obligation to "help my neighbor".
As for the judgment that gets thrown around as to good vs bad behavior and what we should "reward" and what we should "punish", I would suggest that we simply don't know enough yet to accurately make such determinations. In the last couple of years, it's been demonstrated that nicotine may be as effective as stimulant drugs in treating symptoms of AD(H)D. Are all of those smokers simply making a bad choice, or are some of them self-medicating? Were people self-medicating in such a fashion a couple of decades ago when AD(H)D was not well known, recognized, nor treated by the medical establishment?
Stop arguing about who's to blame, and start fixing the problems. It's a lot more efficient. That's what the rest of the developed world has been showing us (the U.S.).
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[ 3.1 ms ] story [ 11.3 ms ] threadOn one hand, people really shouldn't end up financially devastated after treating an illness. I'm sure we all feel some mental stress at the thought that if something catastrophic and unexpected happens we may be financially screwed the rest of our lives.
On the other hand...a lot of people do a lot of stupid things that I don't necessarily want to pay for. Smoking and obesity are two very costly life style choices (Note: I'm aware some people are obese because of medical reasons, I'm not talking about them). And I'm not sure I feel it's fair to pass those costs onto the rest of us who don't smoke and keep a healthy weight and keep our cholesterol and blood pressure and whatnot in a healthy range. Ultimately though, we could get way too nitpicky about "who is doing what to themselves and shouldn't get covered".
In a perfect world I think a non-profit health insurance system should be created that everyone has to buy into. On top of that, to keep costs down, the majority of people would try to stay healthy and doctors wouldn't be paid per test. However, I don't think anything we do will work unless we address why health care costs so much and start taking responsibility for our own health.
It makes more sense to declare healthcare a human right. Naturally this requires the idea of rights as "whatever tax-funded entitlements are bestowed upon the citizens by the duly elected government" which seems unpopular around here.
Personally, I also find a moral component. An obligation to "help my neighbor".
As for the judgment that gets thrown around as to good vs bad behavior and what we should "reward" and what we should "punish", I would suggest that we simply don't know enough yet to accurately make such determinations. In the last couple of years, it's been demonstrated that nicotine may be as effective as stimulant drugs in treating symptoms of AD(H)D. Are all of those smokers simply making a bad choice, or are some of them self-medicating? Were people self-medicating in such a fashion a couple of decades ago when AD(H)D was not well known, recognized, nor treated by the medical establishment?
Stop arguing about who's to blame, and start fixing the problems. It's a lot more efficient. That's what the rest of the developed world has been showing us (the U.S.).