Political debate in America

Health Care is once again a central topic for political debate in America. The definition for “Health” that is chosen will set treatment and quality goals for providers (as well as reimbursements), budgets for payers (insurance companies and government insurers), as well as expectations for patients, stakeholders and policymakers. Consider each of the 3 definitions of “Health” below:

1) “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. (WHO)

2) “the ability to conduct a life that is as socially and economically rewarding as available physical and financial resources will allow.” (American Board of Internal Medicine [ABIM] Conference on Health)

3) “the condition of being sound in body, mind, and spirit, especially free of disease or infirmity.” (Webster’s Dictionary)

Part 1: Please answer the following question: Which definition of “Health” do you think is the most appropriate goal for America and why? Discuss your choice in terms of cost, fairness, feasibility, as well as personal (the patient) and societal responsibility. Consideration should include the impact of the definition on acute hospital care, chronic illnesses, disease prevention, population health and the ultimate effect of your choice on the economy and stakeholders. It is not possible to launch a complete discussion of such a complex issue here, but demonstrate that you have thought deeply about the question, the answer you chose and why you did not choose the other two options.

The main things required of you are 1) write in complete sentences; no bullet point lists or sentence fragments. You are not texting your audience. Rather, you are making a semi-formal presentation to your colleagues.

2) Avoid an abbreviation unless you explain it to your reader the first time you use it.

3) Use proper punctuation and grammar – “Let’s eat, Grandma” and “Let’s eat Grandma” do NOT mean the same thing! No additional references are required for this assignment. Word limits for Part 1: 800 – 1800 words, not including references.