Understanding the flow of health policy in the United States: self-interest or ignorance?
Health policy decisions are made in an uneven manner, eluding attempts to explain developments with a coherent theory. Numerous explanations have been suggested to explain individual policy actions, but recently Feldstein has attempted a broader formulation. This Self-Interest Model of Health Policy, however, assumes full knowledge of a policy's benefits and costs. This is an unrealistic assumption, and the model is unable to explain important decisions that have been made in three areas: insurance for long-term care, universal access, and efficiency incentives. This article presents a broader, more powerful formulation of the Feldstein model, specifically incorporating public ignorance as a policy determinant. The vital role of education and health policy research is underscored.
Schweitzer
S O
SO
UCLA School of Public Health.
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001364:Awareness; D003657:Decision Making; D006291:Health Policy; D007255:Information Services; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011050:Policy Making; D011057:Politics; D011639:Public Opinion; D014481:United States