Question

*Case Study

Utah and Nevada, which lie side by side in the West, are similar in climate, levels of income, level of health care delivery, and many other aspects. Yet Utah residents are reported to be among the healthiest in the United States and Nevada residents among the least healthy. At least on the surface, this difference appears to result as a function of lifestyle choice. Utah is inhabited primarily by Mormons, who by religious doctrine avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and illicit drug use and often live in large, stable families. Alcohol and cigarette consumption is higher in Nevada, and family structure there appears less stable.

1. In regard to health care benefits, should individuals be made responsible for lifestyle choices? For example, would you favor a risk analysis component for health insur- ance deductibles? A person who is a heavy smoker or drinker or a divorced adult would pay higher premiums or deductibles, in the same way that those with poor driving records pay higher auto insurance rates.

2. What prohibitions would you consider putting in place to curb alcohol, cigarette, and drug use?

3. What incentives might be considered to promote stable families, as this seems to have a positive impact on health care costs?

Answer 1

1) A common reply to whether individuals are responsible for their lifestyle would yes. ,ie people are responsible for their health behavior but the entire blame could not be made on the individual because factors such as ignorance, low socio economic background, cultural background,mental health and peer pressure can also be a reason for such lifestyle. Secondly there can also be genetic and environmental reasons for such behavior.

But , yes it would be a better decision to make risk component analysis in the health deductibles like smokers and poor driving have to pay higher tax as this can help to cut down smoking and related problems and ensure proper driving records. Because people will try to reduce or cut down extra payments for the sake of difficulty in spending more than the others.

2) a) Strict federal and state laws .

b) High taxes imposed on such items to cut down its demand.

c)Legal implications, fines and imprisonment for such addictions.

d) Reducing the availability of such substances and strict action on people who trade them.

3)Incentives

a) Expanding health insurance coverage.

b)Cutting down costs of treatment.

c) Providing good living opportunities. ( house, good hospitals, education)

d) Providing subsidies to deserving population.