Rights and Responsibilities in Health Care
Striking a Balance
- Robert H. Brook, MD, ScD
- Author Affiliation: RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California.
Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text.
- KEYWORDS:
- HEALTH BEHAVIOR
- HEALTH EDUCATION
- HEALTH POLICY
- HEALTH SERVICES ACCESSIBILITY
- INSURANCE COVERAGE
- LIFE STYLE
- PATIENT COMPLIANCE
In many states, teenagers can apply for a driver's license when they are 16 years old. To obtain the license, they need to pass a written examination, perform adequately on a driving test, and demonstrate that they have insurance. But all drivers can do things to lose their license. For example, the law requires that drivers stop at red lights, even in the middle of the night when the street is empty. If drivers choose to ignore this law, they risk being ticketed; enough tickets will probably cost them the right to drive. These requirements are not arbitrary; they were developed to preserve life and reduce the cost of everyone's insurance.
When young adults are 26 years old, they can no longer be covered under their parents' health insurance plan. However, they have other coverage options. If they work, and their employer offers insurance, they need only check a box. …
