Premium Essay

Do Just Societies Provide Universal Medical Care

Submitted By
Words 518
Pages 3
Just societies provide universal medical coverage. This is because something that is ‘just’ is fair. Therefore, a just society will be fair to every citizen regardless of race/religion/age/health, and provide universal coverage. This universal medical coverage can be provided in a form of minimum level medical care for everyone and any citizen. Providing this type of care to everyone is justice. The justice is providing support for a right of citizens to have health care. Health care is needed to preserve life and liberty. Life is a right that a just society must support. According to philosopher John Rawls, “justice applies to the basic structure of society, and health care is part of that structure” (Rawls). For Rawls, a just society will …show more content…
Instead I want to focus on what it provides. Currently minimum value standard for health insurance is a health plan that pays for at least 60% of the total cost of medical services for a standard population. Now could we use that as our definition in our just society? No. This is because of the wealth difference in society. Paying for the other 40% might not be a big hurdle for a wealthy individual. But for the poorer population, the other 40% could be costly. Thus, it would be un-just to use today’s definition of minimum value standard for our just society we are trying to create. Instead we should opt to provide the same type of minimal care that is impartial to wealth. For example, the minimum level of care could cover all drug prescriptions. This way, regardless of what drugs you take, and how expensive they are, the medical care would cover it. Furthermore, the medical care could cover regular checkups and etc. Maintaining your health is a right everyone deserves, so it is just. Lastly, to take it even a step further, it could cover costs dealing with genetically inherited diseases because “no one is responsible for the genes he or she inherits” (Pence). This way the medical care would not be injustice to

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Universal Healthcare In America

...People do not believe in free healthcare until they have an accident and could not pay for their treatment. Some people in the United States consider that healthcare should be the individual’s responsibility. They affirm that healthcare is not essential for the society, and using the government funds and support would diminish the accessibility, quantity, and quality of health care. Also, they think it would increase the government debt and deficit. Contrary to these arguments, most Americans sustain that universal healthcare will contribute to the country in many ways. The United States Government should provide free universal healthcare to American citizens, because it is a human right, improves public health and saves lives, benefits the...

Words: 1477 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Universal Health Care

...Universal Healthcare Systems Abstract In 2007, more than 45 million Americans did not have health care insurance. The United States is the only industrialized nation in the world without health care, and the debate about changing that has become a popular topic recently. The difference between the two sides is a difference in values; those for universal health care desire to see the government help others, and those who do not, wish that private companies be allowed to continue taking advantage of the status quo for profit. In this paper I will argue why the Government should put in place The Universal Healthcare Systems. Health care reform to provide universal coverage was first proposed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "New Deal" in 1938, then again by President Harry S. Truman's "Fair Deal" in 1945, by President Richard Nixon in 1971, and more recently by President Bill Clinton's administration in 1993 and during the second presidential debate on Oct 7, 2008, US President Barack Obama, then presidential candidate, said health care should be a “right for every American.” Each attempt faced staunch opposition from varying interest groups and did not result in the passage of universal health coverage legislation. www.healthcare.procon.org In my research it states, it’s no secret that health care costs are spiraling out of control in this country. On average, we now spend more per person on health care than both food and housing...

Words: 1804 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Healthcare Utilization

...Health care reform is needed now Almost twenty percent of all Americans lack any form of healthcare insurance. Many more are underinsured. Consequently, a great number of Americans receive little or no healthcare at all. Many, but not all, of these people are women and children. Some are destitute, but most are not. Quite a few of these uninsured are actually working families who cannot afford coverage, yet, earn too much to be eligible for Medi-Cal, the state's healthcare provider. In a great society, such as ours, it is a pity that we cannot provide what should be a basic human right, to all of our citizens, equally. The level or quality of healthcare should be an inalienable right of all people, not a privilege of the few. Money should not be allowed to dictate that some should live in good health while others suffer in humiliation and anger. The lack of universal healthcare is one of the greatest social inequities of our society. A single payer healthcare system would go a long way toward leveling the playing field for all. A single payer system is one in which a single entity, such as Medi-Cal, procures, provides and or pays for all healthcare needs. Providing uniform and universal healthcare for all, regardless of race or stature, can only improve our entire civilization. The common good is served best by serving all. However, profits dictate the rules in U.S. healthcare today. So long as healthcare thrives only as a function of profit, a single payer system...

Words: 757 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Universal Healthcare in the United States

...Universal Healthcare in the United States Larrissa McBride HCS 235 Monday January 23, 2012 Margaret Meador Universal Healthcare in the United States Healthcare is on the minds of every American in today’s society. Everyone worries about what they will do to afford healthcare and even if they will receive healthcare. America has some of the greatest technological advances and in trained professionals. However, American only ranks 20th in life expectancy and we rank almost the lowest in healthcare availability to its citizens. This causes me to believe that American needs to adopt some type of universal healthcare reform. According to the department of Health and Human Services the United States is one of the only industrialized countries to not give every individual healthcare coverage and access. The United States currently has a system of government sponsored and private insurance companies. The “poor” Americans fall under the care of government based programs. Those who are poor but are considered too wealthy for government sponsored programs are forced to turn to for-profit insurance companies. These for profit companies have strict guidelines and or co-payments and are likely to turn down medical care for any reason they see fit without explanation. I feel that some kind of universal health care system would regulate and control these organizations and could potentially save billions. Currently in the United States a large majority of citizens are uninsured. According...

Words: 1312 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Healthcare Reform

...Health Care Reform Healthcare has a long and detailed history in the United States. Since the beginning 20th century it has been a major source of political debate. Both federal and state governments have made efforts in trying to take steps toward a universal health care system. Early reform poured the foundation for today’s government healthcare programs. The United States witnessed social movements that demanded access to the American dream. People who were viewed as second class citizens banded together and demanded reform on their behalves. The largest of these movements was a demand for universal healthcare. American’s greatest issue was sickness and missing work. When working individuals missed work due to “sickness” they lost their wages. The loss of income made sickness the leading cause of poverty. Reformist saw a need for national healthcare and the campaign began. Health insurance that would protect the worker against wage loss and expenses incurred from medical treatment. In 1906, the American Associaltion of Labor Legislation (AALL) became active in the push for national health care. They created a committee that concentrated on healthcare insurance, and in 1915 drafted a bill that gave limited coverage to the working class and to anyone that earned less than $1200 a year. This draft included sick pay, death, and maternatiy benefits. The proposal was meet by opposition (Palmer, 2010). Although the American Medical Association offered its support...

Words: 1518 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Health Care Reform

...Health Care Reform Lisa Juarez HCS 235 February 4, 2014 Holly O'Dell Health Care Reform The health care reform is an ongoing debate. We have heard it called to Obama Care, but it really is the Affordable Care Act. It was signed into law in 2010. The idea behind the Affordable Care Act was to provide affordable health insurance to every American. The law contains thousands of pages of insurance and health care reforms. All are designed to make it easier and more affordable for every American to get coverage. Health plans can no longer limit or deny benefits to children under the age of 19 due to a pre-existing condition. If you are under 26, you may be eligible to be covered under your parent’s health plan. Insurers can no longer cancel your coverage just because you made an honest mistake. You now have the right to ask that your plan reconsider its denial of payment. When we look at the cost the law has no lifetime limits on coverage. Lifetime limits on benefits are not allowed for all new health insurance plans. Reviews premium increases, insurance companies must now give a good reason for any raises in rates. Helps you get the most for your premium dollars. Your premium money must be spent primarily on health care and not administrative costs. Now we can look at the care benefits; it covers preventive care at no cost to us and you may be eligible for preventive health services with no co-payment. Protects your right to choose your own doctors, choose the primary care...

Words: 1112 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Healthcare Reform Research Paper

...beginning of the 20th century, it has been a major source of political debate. Both federal and state governments have made efforts in trying to take steps toward a universal health care system. Early reform poured the foundation for today’s government healthcare programs. The United States witnessed social movements that demanded access to the American dream. People who were viewed as second-class citizens banded together and demanded reform on their behalves. The largest of these movements was a demand for universal healthcare. American’s greatest issue was sickness and missing work. When working individuals missed work due to “sickness” they lost their wages. The loss of income made sickness the leading cause of poverty. Reformists saw a need for national healthcare and the campaign began. Health insurance that would protect the worker against wage loss and expenses incurred from medical treatment. In 1906, the American Association of Labor Legislation (AALL) became active in the push for national health care. They created a committee that concentrated on healthcare insurance, and in 1915 drafted a bill that gave limited coverage to the working class and to anyone that earned less than $1200 a year. This draft included sick pay, death, and maternity benefits. The proposal was meet by opposition. Although the American Medical Association offered its support of the bill in the beginning, it soon followed...

Words: 1391 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Health Care

...Health care is a general rubric for discussing major health policies creation or changes. Health care delivery options often affect the entire population in the United States, because the government sets rules for all hospitals and care facilities to follow. This is important because the patient will not be subject to fraud in a sense because of the rules that the health care facilities have to obey by. In recent news the American health debate will save billions of dollars in over the course of the next 10 years ("Health care blog," 2012) to create a more sustainable, affordable plan for the American population. Therefore the recent health care reforms measures are expanded and allow an easier access to care for patients. The quality, affordable health care act is for all Americans it is one of the many new health care reforms in the United States. This virtually covers everyone from having insurance, even individuals who do not have insurance these individuals will have options on insurance plans. One of the provisions of the act is to allow: “…individuals, families and small business owners in control of their health care. It reduces premium costs for millions of working families and small businesses by providing hundreds of billions of dollars in tax relief – the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history. It also reduces what families will have to pay for health care by capping out-of-pocket expenses and requiring preventive care to be fully covered without...

Words: 1176 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Negligence

...Negligence In today’s busy health care industry nurses and doctors are pushed to the limit. We are asked to make life and death decisions in mere seconds. Society is also more aware of what they should expect from health care providers. This awareness demands health care providers not only provide excellent care, but also document the care they provide to ensure they are not subject to accusations of negligence, or gross negligence that can lead to malpractice suits. This paper will differentiate between negligence, gross negligence, and malpractice. In order to further examine these issues an article titled “Amputation mishap, negligence cited” from The Neighborhood News in which “Earlier this week, 62-year-old Joseph Benson underwent an amputation of his leg just below the left knee and only suffered one complication- the wrong leg was amputated” (Lowell, n.d.) will be discussed. This will include the determination of whether or not this example is a case for negligence, gross negligence, or malpractice. This discussion will also include the importance of documentation and its correlation to potential negligence, the ethical principles I would use to guide my practice in this situation, and how I would document to satisfy ethical and legal requirements. Most people do not understand the distinction between negligence, gross negligence, and malpractice. According to Guido (2010), a plaintiff must prove that there was a duty to the patient, that a breach of the duty owed to...

Words: 1650 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Health Care in the United States

...Marshall SYG 2000-02M 15 March 2012 Healthcare in the United States: A Flawed Society People in the United States pay too much for the healthcare benefits they receive, and some have a poor quality of life. Advancements in technology and medical science allow people to live longer, but at times living longer has an adverse effect on the elderly. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “all men are created equal,” yet in today’s healthcare system, all citizens are not treated as equal. Moreover, quality healthcare is provided only to those who can afford it. Due to sociocultural differences and socioeconomic changes in the United States, health disparities are at an all-time high. Rising healthcare costs and the under-regulated health insurance industry directly correlate to poor health, and true healers are few and far between. In our society, those who can afford it stay healthy, and the remaining population is forced to live without proper medical care. Many problems exist with regard to healthcare in the US including poverty, crime, ethics, and policy, but the most overwhelming is cost. President Obama’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, called Obama-Care by some, is a start, but our society has a long way to go in bringing affordable healthcare to all Americans. Functionalists would view the healthcare system as if nothing is wrong, calling it a trend in society and finding some rationale to justify their position on the subject. For instance...

Words: 3702 - Pages: 15

Free Essay

Medicaid Funding Poilcies

...fixed incomes. If the elderly are unable to purchase Medicare, they will go uninsured. The Medicare system is double-funded. It is funded by the taxpayer (federal dollar) as well as the premiums being collected. But, in being double-funded, the coverage is still not as high as most private insurance companies making them appear with less quality. Are radical measures necessary to preserve the program? This is a very interesting question and you will have to take a more subjective approach to answering it. I don't believe there are radical measures that must be taken to preserve the program because it is funded through two divisions - the federal government (taxpayer) and the premiums being collected. However, the cost of providing the medical services is much higher than the cost being collected. Perhaps a more responsible approach would be to evaluate the cost...

Words: 1692 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Health Economics

...Essay: The Health Care, Universal Insurance and International Comparison of Health Care Syetem Introduction In recent years, the availability and affordability of health insurance in United States has becomes the subject of much debate. About one in seven American has no health insurance at all, and for many people who are insured, the cost of coverage is a financial hardship. This situation has led some people to call for the government to provide health insurance for all citizens like other developed countries e.g. Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany etc. Under this type of system, the state government or the federal government would provide insurance coverage, fixed by taxes for everyone. Those who support government-run health care believe that it has many benefits, including universal coverage, lower costs, and greater efficiency. Opponents contend that such a system would require budgets controls, forcing the government to decide whether and when person can receive certain health service. They believe universal health care would lead to lower quality care, long delay, greater government bureaucracy, and greater tax increase. However, whether universal insurance or not, the current health care system needed a reform and I believe Most American will prefer Universal health insurance to any other health care system because it guarantee coverage for everybody. Thesis: the rising cost of health care is a very critical issue in public debate nowadays. The situation...

Words: 3993 - Pages: 16

Premium Essay

Universal Healthcare System in the United States

...I will argue for a universal healthcare system in the United States through a comparison of feminist ethics and traditional ethics. I find that the following considerations from Virginia Held’s Ethics of Care, and Kant’s view on autonomy provide a convincing argument for universal healthcare coverage. Held In Virginia Held’s Ethics of Care, she makes six distinct statements on care ethics through a feminist point of view. 1.) “Moralities built on the image of the independent, autonomous, rational individual largely overlook the reality of human dependence and the morality for which it calls.” (Camp, 2011:48) Held is describing how interdependence is primary and one is not in control of caretaking relationships. The majority of caretaking relationships are not chosen (parents and siblings) and we have a responsibility of care to these unchosen relations. We are all interdependent on each other, not autonomous. An argument relating to health care according to the view presented by Held on feminine ethics directly confirms the point that we are not autonomous beings: “Children in particular are harmed by familial stress and developmental delays from not receiving health care, both of which can lead to behavioral problems and loss of potential. When one member is uninsured or becomes ill, there is a financial burden put on the rest of the family” (http://www.amsa.org). Universal health care coverage would allow for this family burden of stress and finances to be decreased...

Words: 2444 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Us Healthcare System Reform

...Wise DeVry HSM 534 Health Service Finance February 23, 2013 Week 7 Professor Alison Williams Background The United States, being the most diverse society in the world, has a long and unsuccessful history of attempts at healthcare reform. We spend almost $2 trillion dollars per year on healthcare, yet not all American people have medical coverage (Barton, 2007). A huge percent of the population have to rely on outside sources, such as benefit health care from an employer or from government programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. As compared to other nations, our society has people that are more overweight, live under more stress, and are less in physical activity. Additionally, our healthcare system underperforms compared to with other nations in critical areas such as, access, quality and efficiency (Davis). How did our system get this way? Why are we paying so much while other nations not so much? A history of major events - The U.S. healthcare system is trying to evolve with modern times; however, as time goes on, our current situation becomes more apparent: * In the 1950s, the price of hospital care was growing; however, more attention was diverted to the war in Korea. Many legislative proposals were made, but none could not be agreed on. * In the 1960s, hospital care expenses doubled, and despite over 700 insurance companies selling health insurance, a large percentage of the population could not afford it. During this time, Medicare and...

Words: 3203 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Arguments Against Universal Healthcare

...of living almost as unattainable as immortality. This problem could be fixed with a simple solution that has been proven to increase quality of life: Universal Healthcare. Many Americans do not see a need for universal healthcare. It is true that America has survived long enough without Universal Healthcare, but that does not mean it would not...

Words: 2999 - Pages: 12