The Articulation of Values and Principles Involved in Health Care Reform

Abstract

The Ethics Working Group of Clinton's Health Care Task Force developed a list of principles and values that should govern health care reform. These principles and values are compatible with central moral and political traditions, as well as with more rigorous theoretical accounts of justice and health care, but they are “freestanding” points of agreement, not presupposing any particular theoretical background. Though imprecise and not ranked by priorities, the principles guide thinking about the fairness of alternative reform proposals. Their use is illustrated by comparing alternatives on universality of access, phase-in period, the creation of unequal tiers, and the provision for wise allocation and rationing.