Where will personal responsibility play a role in reform?
Posted By: Cary Bynum 
Date Posted: September 21st, 2009 Category: Health Care Reform
I recognize that something has to be done to fix health care, but what can’t happen is that it turn into a limitless right with no personal responsibility attached. If I’m going to abuse myself through poor health choices, I can’t expect you to pick up the tab. And the problem is that so far there are precious few success stories when it comes to convincing individuals to change their health habits. Sure there’s a lot wrong with the system. But there’s a lot wrong with our expectations as well. I’m all about personal choice and keeping a lid on government intervention…but if we’re going to sign up to pay for everything, we have to expect something in return. And what that "something" is could be a really slippery, and scary slope, like more government regulations on how we choose to live our lives.
Comment By: Emily Carter
Date & Time: September 21, 2009 at 1:26 pm
I completely agree. personal responsibility is THE variable that determines success or failure of the reform.
Comment By: Rebekah
Date & Time: October 22, 2009 at 2:46 pm
There is definitely a need for personal responsibility in healthcare reform, and I agree with your use of the slippery slope metaphor here. Is my obesity/diabetes/high blood pressure a result of genetics or my own craving for fatty and sugary foods? It's hard to draw those lines.
It would be great to not have to pay for other people's irresponsible lifestyles out of my taxes and my insurance premiums, but… I already do. The insured are already paying for the uninsured. The high premiums the healthy people are paying are already covering the exorbitant costs of healthcare for the people who live unhealthy lifestyles (insured or not). The taxes I pay already are funneled into Medicaid for people who can't afford their own care for one reason or another.