READ: Chapter Eight
DISCUSSION - INITIAL RESPONSES DUE: THURSDAY, 1/8/26 BY NOON
TWO RESPONSES TO OTHER STUDENTS DUE: SATURDAY, 1/10/25 BY MIDNIGHT
List of Topics and Sub-Modules for Ch. 8: Health Care Policy
- Chapter 8 Lecture and Supplemental Materials BookWeb Page [Image unavailable: Alternative formats]Click on this book. It contains, the lecture materials, chapter PowerPoint, and other materials. The materials contained herein are not a substitute for your reading. They are meant to be a supplement to your required reading and other supporting materials. If you use these as your only primary source of chapter information, you will not be successful in the course.
- The Shutdown and the Future of Health Care PolicyDiscussion Topic Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution grants Congress the power “to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States.” This clause, known as the General Welfare Clause, has long been interpreted as the foundation for government action meant to promote the well-being of its citizens, including public health. Many have argued that caring for the general health of the nation falls squarely within this responsibility.From the New Deal through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the federal government has played an expanding role in shaping how Americans access and pay for health care. However, states play an important role too, especially through Medicaid and insurance regulation, but federal policy still drives much of the structure and funding. When Congress acts, or fails to act, everyday Americans feel it.On January 1, 2026, millions of Americans woke up to higher health insurance premiums as enhanced ACA COVID-subsidies expired or were reduced. As you learned in our chapter seven assignment, people are already struggling with higher grocery bills, rent, and energy costs, so higher insurance premiums is not an abstract or welcome addition. This policy discussion will force people to make choices about doctor visits, medical testing, prescriptions, and whether coverage is worth the price.When I ran for state office twenty-years ago, residents were concerned about health care costs. That concern has not gone away. Given the federal policy choices, states are now under pressure to respond. This raises important questions about how much we should rely on the federal government to protect our “general welfare,” and what happens when those protections weaken or do not exist.Discussion Question: Do you believe the federal government is living up to its responsibility under the General Welfare Clause? How much responsibility should states have to step in and protect residents from these increases? Are there any other policy solutions that could help solve this ongoing problem?