- Describe and discuss some of the ethical concerns or problems that exist because of the dominant form of employer-sponsored health insurance.
- Discuss reform actions that the U.S. government has taken to reduce the ethical concerns or problems that you discussed.
- Define the ethical principle of justice, and discuss its role in the U.S. health care system.
- 400-600 words
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The healthcare industry has been plagued with various ethical concerns and problems. The dominant form of employer-sponsored health insurance is often considered one of the root causes for many such problems. This write-up aims to discuss the ethical concerns or problems associated with employer-sponsored health insurance, the reform actions taken by the U.S. government to address the same, and the ethical principle of justice and its role in the U.S. healthcare system.
Ethical Concerns or Problems with employer-sponsored health insurance:
The employer-sponsored health insurance system has been criticized for several reasons, such as limited choice of healthcare providers, coverage restrictions, and patient’s inability to switch insurers. One major ethical concern is the unequal access to healthcare, where individuals with lower-paying jobs often receive less comprehensive insurance coverage. Another concern is the high cost of health insurance for small businesses, leading to a lack of insurance for employees, thereby exposing them to financial insecurity and health risks.
Reform Actions to reduce ethical concerns or problems:
To reduce the ethical concerns and problems, such as limited choice and coverage restrictions, the U.S. government has implemented several reforms. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted in 2010, aimed at providing affordable healthcare to all citizens, reducing healthcare costs, expanding Medicaid access, and increasing consumer protections. The ACA includes provisions such as essential health benefits, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and a marketplace for individuals to purchase insurance.
Role of the ethical principle of justice in the U.S. healthcare system:
The ethical principle of justice is a fundamental principle in healthcare, requiring healthcare resources to be distributed fairly, justly, and equitably. However, the U.S. healthcare system has been criticized for its lack of universal access to healthcare and unequal distribution of resources. The principle of justice has a crucial role to play in the U.S. healthcare system, ensuring access to quality care for all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
In conclusion, the dominant form of employer-sponsored health insurance has several ethical concerns and problems, ranging from unequal access to healthcare to high insurance costs for small businesses. The U.S. government has taken several steps to address these issues, such as implementing the ACA. The ethical principle of justice is critical in ensuring that healthcare resources are distributed fairly and equitably, thereby providing access to quality care for all individuals.
