moral dilemma

I learned something new last night about Japan's health insurance. On top of universal health insurance (meaning everyone is insured ~ including me!), those who have a chronic illness without a cure can qualify for special insurance that covers all medical expenses (doctor visits, medication, hospitalization pertaining to that illness, etc.) with a premium at about $30-40 a month. I thought that was amazing. In the US, most people with a pre-existing condition find it extremely difficult to even find a health insurance company that will cover them and if they do, it's so expensive it's almost unaffordable. Compared to the US, Japan's medical resources are probably more limited, but I wouldn't be surprised if people just knowing they can go to the hospital when they feel sick without getting stuck with outrageous bills contributes to an over-all healthier nation.

It makes me sad when people decide not to go to the hospital or receive treatment because it would just be too expensive for them to pay for it. Is that right? Is that morally right?

Poll of the day:

Should health insurance be a right or a privilege?

1 comments:

.fLoOreDFuN. said...

personally. i think health is a right, not a priviledge. at least the basics of health and wellness. i mean if you consider that our lives aren't dedicated to something other than the pursuit of living life happy, content, and fulfilled. Rather than the pursuit of money, fame, or objectification. :P

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