Is Healthcare a Right?

One of the basic questions - maybe THE basic question - in discussing universal healthcare is - Is healthcare a right? If it is, we have to find a way to do it, regardless of the cost. If not, then it would have to be considered in a cost / benefit analysis along with all other government activities, and costs more is a stong argument against it. Also, should our basic rights to services expand as society becomes wealthier or are they fixed? For example, in the United States now every student has the right to a free and appropriate public education (through grade 12). It did not used to be so. In my opinion the answer to both questions is yes. Yes, healthcare is a right, and yes, the services we all have a right to should expand as the society grows wealthier. Others may have different opinions. Comments?

Neat Cartoon

I found this health care cartoon at Monte Asbury's blog.

Blog Purpose

In this blog, I want to focus on the social and economic consequences of our health care system with a particular emphasis on these major questions: Is it possible to have universal health care without breaking the fiscal budget? What restrictions might have to be imposed? What is the system for universal health care in the countries that have it and what are the possible ways to do it here? What are the chances it will be adopted here? and What are the alternatives to a universal health care system?