Browsing by Subject "health care reform"

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Open Access
A "Right for Every American:" Understanding the Concept of a "Human Right to Health" in the Context of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
(2012-12) Wilmarth, Victoria
This project examines the role that the concept of a “human right to health” played in the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). It analyzes this topic through the study of speeches made by President Obama and a study of the media through a selection of newspaper op-ed pieces and radio news stories. Key speeches made by candidate Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign were also considered to provide greater context for the health care reform debate. The concept of a “human right to health” played a minimal role in the media during the health care reform debate. Instead, the media discussion emphasized the financial needs and potential implications of reform. Media coverage also chronicled political components of the debate, in addition to a variety of divisive sub-issues. Yet, an “American right” to health played an important role in the rhetorical arc President Obama employed in order to secure the passage of the PPACA. President Obama utilized two key frameworks to discuss health care reform: namely, an American values and responsibilities framework and a financial framework. He adjusted his rhetoric and policy framing strategies according to his audience: the American Public or Congress. Ultimately both frameworks were necessary in order to pass the PPACA. This research has implications for the President’s continued health care work as he and other leaders work to implement the PPACA. It is also relevant to future health care reform efforts and human rights activism at both national and state levels.
Open Access
Who Cares About Health Care? Sociodemographics and Attitudes Toward Government’s Role in Health Care Across Germany, Great Britain, and the United States
(2010-12-10) Tang, Jessie
This paper investigates comparative public attitudes as a mechanism to explain American welfare state “exceptionalism” in health care. The countries of Germany, Great Britain, and the United States were chosen as three distinct cases that exemplify different health care models. Using data collected from the 2006 International Social Survey Program (ISSP), this study 1) analyzed the influence of individual-level indicators on public attitudes toward government’s role in health care in the three countries and 2) looked at how these relationships differed cross nationally. Based upon past research regarding path-dependency research and demographics, 11 individual-level indicators were chosen. Findings revealed that although significant differences exist across the nations, majority of participants from Germany, Great Britain, and the United States felt that their governments have a responsibility to provide health care and that the government should be spending more on health care. This goes against conventional wisdom regarding public opinion and health care reform. Overall, Americans wanted to see more government responsibility and spending in health care, but did not feel that the government was successful in delivering health care. Political affiliation in the United States was the only individual-level indicator to predict greater odds of attitudes in government spending, responsibility, and success; the same effects were not found in Germany and Great Britain. Further policy research should look into how trust in government efficacy can be developed. Framing health care as an urgent matter that emphasizes equal opportunity may also help to overcome political bipolarization in America. Additionally enfranchising different interest groups and taking a top-down approach to political reform could additionally move reform forward in the United States.