Relatively Inaccessible Abundance: Reflections on U.S. Health Care

Ivy Lynn Bourgeault

Social and Economic Dimensions of an Aging Population Research Papers from McMaster University

Abstract: Outsiders' views of American health care - and Canadian views in particular - contains this paradox: ready access to excellent high tech services for those who can pay but unfortunately too expensive for many Americans; in essence, inaccessible abundance. In this paper, I embellish upon this paradox with an initial examination of the rather complicated organization of American health care as viewed by an outside observer. I then highlight the key benefits and drawbacks seen of U.S. health care, grounded in empirical data, and how despite its drawbacks it is being spread to other countries. I conclude with a discussion of the values inherent in the provision of health care - that is, whether it should be viewed as a commodity or as a right of the citizens of a nation.

Keywords: U.S. health care; accessibility; external views (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 33 pages
Date: 2007-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-hea and nep-ias
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