Case Study Is Health Care a Right or a Privilege?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, proclaims “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of oneself and one's family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care.” Hard work and healthy living does not assure being healthy. With the high costs of health care, many consumers cannot afford health insurance. The U.S. government is following other industrialized nations in adopting universal health care.
Critics argue it is the individual's responsibility, not the government's, to ensure personal health. Many health problems, such as obesity and diabetes, can often be prevented by individuals choosing to live healthier lifestyles. Another concern involves the cost of health care. Critics believe universal health insurance will increase costs because more people will depend upon the government for health care. This in turn might cause costs to be passed onto the consumers and prompt the government to limit certain types of care. Guaranteeing health care for all may lead people to make riskier decisions because they know if they get hurt, they are guaranteed health care coverage.
            
1. Because health care protects life, it is a fundamental right and should therefore be ensured by the federal government.

2. Health care is a privilege and should not be provided by the government because of the high costs involved.

Read less