In addition to the options suggested by his staff, Mr. Pasture recently read an article about
rationing health care services as a method of controlling costs. The general idea of rationing is that more expensive treatments are excluded so that basic health benefits can be provided to a wider population. Health plans can implement rationing by limiting the types of services they will cover. While they commonly exclude coverage for experimental treatments and cosmetic surgery, many are now considering adding physical therapy, mental health services, and therapies that treat fatal conditions to the list of excluded services. Would you recommend that Mr. Pasture consider this approach? Discuss the ethical considerations.
In addition to the options suggested by his staff, Mr. Pasture recently read an article about
rationing health care services as a method of controlling costs. The general idea of rationing is that more expensive treatments are excluded so that basic health benefits can be provided to a wider population. Health plans can implement rationing by limiting the types of services they will cover. While they commonly exclude coverage for experimental treatments and cosmetic surgery, many are now considering adding physical therapy, mental health services, and therapies that treat fatal conditions to the list of excluded services. Would you recommend that Mr. Pasture consider this approach? Discuss the ethical considerations.
