What is needed to claim adequacy in health services?

The answer to the question in the title of this essay is fairly readily available and can be articulated by listing those attributes that spell out adequacy in health services. A series of other concepts are presented to highlight methods of analysis in judging adequacy. These fall into two categories, those value statement that give meaning to the question to begin with as well as to its answers; and those of more mechanical significance. The first appear in the form of general principles, having to do with means, ends and the maintenance of human life; the worth of human life and common ownership of resources; and overriding contradictions with health-oriented life. The second--mechanics and techniques in judging the presence or lack of health services--are addressed by the concepts of conditionality and prioritization. Examples are provided from the current health planning efforts in the United States as viewed by a professional organization, by the Clinton administration's proposal for adequate health care, and finally, those offered by the Republican party.