Health Care and Its Costs

This book of essays deals with the effect of the rising cost of health care in the U.S. and the ethical questions raised by them. The book grows out of work done by a special Task Force of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., but treats the issues also from the standpoint of ordinary citizens concerned about a profound and pressing social problem. The first three essays present factual information about our health care situation. They also express ethical concern about the fact that with rising costs, insurers are putting more of the expense of treatment back upon patients, more than many can afford. The next section contains essays on Christian ethical principles. The final section of the book contains suggestions about how the church might show greater sensitivity to issues of health and healing in its own life and ministry.