Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Healthcare: a right, a privilege, or something else?

lofhay · 08-21-2009, 12:24 PM

Is healthcare something to which everyone is entitled no matter who pays for it? Or is it a privilege which is available only to those who can afford it, or to whom it is a gift from those who can pay for it to those who cannot?

How much responsibility does the individual have for his/her own health? And, if a person does not cultivate healthy habits such as proper diet, exercise, refraining from destructive habits like smoking, then who is responsible for their healthcare?

How you think about these questions will determine how you feel about the debate concerning what government should do, or not do, about healthcare. I must admit that I have a hard time bringing myself to see this any way but that each individual is responsible for their own health, and any government help is a form of charity-- a gift. I am willing to do my part to help some, but I wonder about government involvement.

08-21-2009, 12:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
lofhay Tilted Location: Charleston, SC	Healthcare: a right, a privilege, or something else? Is healthcare something to which everyone is entitled no matter who pays for it? Or is it a privilege which is available only to those who can afford it, or to whom it is a gift from those who can pay for it to those who cannot? How much responsibility does the individual have for his/her own health? And, if a person does not cultivate healthy habits such as proper diet, exercise, refraining from destructive habits like smoking, then who is responsible for their healthcare? How you think about these questions will determine how you feel about the debate concerning what government should do, or not do, about healthcare. I must admit that I have a hard time bringing myself to see this any way but that each individual is responsible for their own health, and any government help is a form of charity-- a gift. I am willing to do my part to help some, but I wonder about government involvement.