COLLAPSE
Cost of healthcare has continued to rise over the years in the United States. The 21st century healthcare policy makers are left with the burden of figuring out the best way to cut down the high prize and at the same time be able to provide quality care, and affordable access to care for all Americans without compromising the ethical values of the people. The medical cost-benefit of the prostate cancer drug, provenge, is one of those issues that are under consideration: Debate is going on, on, the ethical and economic challenges related to policy decisions on whether to fund this drug that is estimated to cost about $93,000.00 per treatment for one person, or not to fund it (Stein, 2010) . This is a tough decision to make whichever way one tries to view it. From the ethical perspective, those living with end-stage prostate cancer are lobbying for the funding of this drug by Medicare arguing that the extension of life, even if it is for four months, which is …show more content…
Not only that, but there is also, the general public’s expression of discontent that provenge is another case of a deviation from normal in the healthcare system that needs to be considered. Another thing to consider is the bioethical question; how much should society be willing to pay in order to avert death? What about the doctors, patients and family members involved, should they give up and allow the patient to die knowing that they could have prolonged this life a little further with this treatment? These are all unanswered questions that the congress, Medicare, and other policy-makers have to consider deeply and thoroughly before making the final decisions
Cost of healthcare has continued to rise over the years in the United States. The 21st century healthcare policy makers are left with the burden of figuring out the best way to cut down the high prize and at the same time be able to provide quality care, and affordable access to care for all Americans without compromising the ethical values of the people. The medical cost-benefit of the prostate cancer drug, provenge, is one of those issues that are under consideration: Debate is going on, on, the ethical and economic challenges related to policy decisions on whether to fund this drug that is estimated to cost about $93,000.00 per treatment for one person, or not to fund it (Stein, 2010) . This is a tough decision to make whichever way one tries to view it. From the ethical perspective, those living with end-stage prostate cancer are lobbying for the funding of this drug by Medicare arguing that the extension of life, even if it is for four months, which is …show more content…
Not only that, but there is also, the general public’s expression of discontent that provenge is another case of a deviation from normal in the healthcare system that needs to be considered. Another thing to consider is the bioethical question; how much should society be willing to pay in order to avert death? What about the doctors, patients and family members involved, should they give up and allow the patient to die knowing that they could have prolonged this life a little further with this treatment? These are all unanswered questions that the congress, Medicare, and other policy-makers have to consider deeply and thoroughly before making the final decisions