Provision of health care: how much, if any, are we entitled to?

Over 45 million Americans currently lack health insurance, and this number continues to rise. In light of convincing evidence that being uninsured or underinsured produces adverse health outcomes, it is incumbent upon us to define our ethical standards in terms of providing health care. This essay considers the ethical arguments for and against providing universal health care, and considers what possible goals a policy of universal care should aim for. Ultimately, an ethical commitment to securing basic opportunity in the realms of employment, personal life, and social life requires us to provide health care to all Americans. The paper further concludes that the goal of such a plan must be a guarantee of access to basic health care, although not necessarily equal care, for all Americans.