Question 1

According to Brody, in the United States, ethical debate is now shifting from rationing health care to the avoidance of waste.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true according to Brody.

Question 2

Brody asserts that there are two principal ethical arguments for waste avoidance in medical interventions and health care. What are these two arguments, and what are your thoughts about their implications, if taken seriously?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Brody asserts that there are two principal...

Question 3

Perry and Butler argue that a more effective way to control health care costs than age-based rationing would be to eliminate the afflictions of old age.

Accepted Answer

Perry and Butler's argument is that eliminating the afflictions of old age would be a more effective way to control health care costs than age-based rationing.

Question 4

Hentoff argues that Daniel Callahan's proposal to ration health care on the basis of age is class-biased.

Accepted Answer

Hentoff criticizes Callahan's proposal as being biased against older people who may not have access to the same level of health care as younger people due to their age. He argues that age should not be used as the sole criterion for health care rationing.

Question 5

Do you agree or disagree with Callahan who argues that health care should be rationed on the basis of chronological age? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you agree or disagree with Callahan...

Question 6

Hentoff predicts that as more individuals survive to old age, the public will vehemently oppose Callahan's proposal.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Hentoff predicts that as more individuals survive...

Question 7

Describe precedents for rationing health care that have taken place in other countries. Would there be support in the United States for rationing health care on the basis of age? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe precedents for rationing health care that...

Question 8

According to Hentoff, several influential individuals and numerous bioethicists support Callahan's proposal in spite of individuals' "equal protection of the laws" under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Accepted Answer

The article states that "Callahan's proposal has been supported by influential individuals, including former Secretary of Health and Human Services Joseph Califano Jr. and former U.S. senator and presidential candidate Gary Hart, as well as by numerous bioethicists, though it appears to conflict with the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment."

Question 9

Is Daniel Callahan cruel and hard hearted, or is he instead courageous and far-sighted in his willingness to advocate a controversial idea? Discuss.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is Daniel Callahan cruel and hard hearted,...

Question 10

Explain Daniel Callahan's proposal for rationing health care on the basis of age. What assumptions does he make in his argument? What evidence is there to refute his assumptions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain Daniel Callahan's proposal for rationing health...

Question 11

Brody asserts that interventions that prolong life and those that relieve suffering are not easily made at the bedside.

Accepted Answer

Brody argues that decisions about end-of-life care and interventions that balance prolonging life and relieving suffering are complex and difficult to make at the bedside. They require thoughtful consideration of patient values, goals of care, and potential outcomes, as well as input from the patient, family, and healthcare team.

Question 12

On what bases does Hentoff criticize Callahan's proposal to ration health care on the basis of age? Do you agree or disagree with Hentoff's criticism?

Accepted Answer

The answer of On what bases does Hentoff criticize Callahan's...

Question 13

What do Perry and Butler mean by an extended "health span"? How do they propose extending not just the life span but also the "health span"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What do Perry and Butler mean by...

Question 14

According to Perry and Butler, approximately 10% of the money spent on health care for people over age 65 is spent on research that may lead to lower health care costs for chronic diseases and disabilities.

Accepted Answer

The statement is false. Perry and Butler reported that less than 1% of the money spent on health care for people over age 65 is spent on research that may lead to lower health care costs for chronic diseases and disabilities.

Question 15

What is Ubel's position on rationing health care? Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is Ubel's position on rationing health...

Question 16

According to Ubel, we should be concerned with effectiveness analysis rather than rationing so that everyone has access to the same services.

Accepted Answer

Ubel suggests that we should focus on cost-effectiveness analysis rather than simply providing everyone with the same services, to ensure that healthcare resources are used in the most efficient way possible. This approach acknowledges the reality of limited resources and aims to maximize health benefits across the population.

Question 17

Ubel argues that health care rationing is already a widespread practice in the United States and elsewhere, even outside of managed care organizations.

Accepted Answer

Ubel argues that health care rationing is already happening in the United States and other countries, even without the involvement of managed care organizations. Examples include waiting lists for treatments, limits on coverage for certain services, and limited access to expensive medications.

Question 18

For Hentoff, Callahan's proposal becomes a "decent proposal" when Callahan suggests that age-based rationing won't go into effect until all older adults have access to long-term home care or nursing home care.

Accepted Answer

The answer of For Hentoff, Callahan's proposal becomes a "decent...

Question 19

What are the arguments for and against rationing health care on the basis of age? As the number of Medicare enrollees is projected to increase dramatically in the years ahead, what changes to Medicare would you propose in order to contain costs? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the arguments for and against...

Quiz 4: Should We Ration Health Care for Older People