Chapter 17: Healthcare/Environment/Energy Policy Flashcards
What is the life expectancy in the US?
79 years old
What is the cost of healthcare?
2.8 trillion per year
Why is healthcare so expensive?
1) new technology, new drugs, new procedures
2) overbuilt facilities
3) consumers do not shop around
4) increased medical cost - insurance rises
Who has access to healthcare?
- 2/3 of all americans have private insurance
- many people have an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and pay a yearly fee
- medicare provides for the elderly
- medicaid provides for the poor
What are some problems with healthcare?
1) link between employment and healthcare
2) small companies may not offer insurance
3) part time workers often have no insurance
4) many go without insurance for short periods of time
5) with group insurance, some people eat up the majority of the costs
Access to healthcare depends on race and income…
1) whites have a higher life expectancy
2) whites have a lower infant mortality rate
3) no health insurance means you don’t have access to a primary physician
4) healthcare is expensive
What is the difference between the US and European countries with healthcare?
US healthcare is privatized; European countries have a 20% income tax for universal healthcare
What does CHIP (Children’s health insurance program) do/
Helps uninsured children and pregnant women just above the poverty line
Who was the first president to try and pass universal healthcare?
Harry Truman; Clinton failed as well, Obama passes the AHA
What is the EPA?
the largest regulatory agency in america; investigates by inspections and complaints
What could an EIS (environmental impact statement) do?
Delay construction
What is the Clean Air Act of 1970?
- combated pollution for automobile emissions
- regulatory agencies that were involved was the EPA and the department of transportation
What is the Clean Air Act of 1990?
Regulated emissions from cars, oil refineries, chemical plants, coal fired utility plants, as well as emissions trading
What is the Water Pollution Control Act of 1972?
Clean up the Great Lakes
What is the Endangered Species Act of 1973?
Protection of species and their habitats
