The Declaration of Independence declared that “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” are “unalienable” rights. That was in 1776… So where does health care fit in to that? Can one “pursue happiness” without health? And health care requires a health care system. There wasn’t much of one when Jefferson penned that famous line.
Does each of us have a right to see a doctor and get care when needed? When does that right end and responsibility begin?
These are not easy questions. For instance, do I have a right to be treated for serious head injuries, at huge expense, because I refused to wear a helmet as I rode my Harley? Should very elderly people be eligible for stem-cell transplants at public expense? (I am 70 years old, by the way.)
Ain’t no free lunch
Money looms large. Someone has to pay for doctors, nurses, medications, therapies, and hospitals. At the same time, an unhealthy population is a major drag on economic activity — that costs money too. All of us are at risk for ill health, regardless of how much we exercise and follow the latest “healthy diet” advice. The Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) has made a significant impact, but there remain highly unpopular aspects to the law. So before considering the cost/benefit questions above, we need to figure out just what right, if any, each of us…
