Government in Health Care

Answer the questions separately please. thanks. For example number 1 and number 2 are different.

1. Shanice
Hello,

The federal government singled out sailors for a mandatory health insurance fee because of their unique occupational risks and needs. Sailors often traveled to various ports and were exposed to diseases and illnesses from different regions. In addition, they were often far from home and unable to rely on family or community support in the case of illness or injury. State governments likely saw this approach as a good idea because it provided a solution to the problem of caring for sick and injured sailors while also promoting public health. By supporting the development of the U.S. Public Health Service, state governments could improve the health of the nation’s workforce, enhance the quality of life for sailors, and reduce the spread of disease (Centers of Medicare and Medicaid services, 2020).

Throughout history, the role of the federal and state governments in health care delivery has evolved. In the early years of the country, health care was primarily the responsibility of local communities and families. However, as the country grew and became more industrialized, the need for more comprehensive health care systems became evident (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2021).

2. Lori
There was a concern after the revolutionary war of our merchant marines falling ill and weakening our nations defense. Having many people in a closed space, such as a ship, makes it easier for sickness to spread. Add in day to day injuries, exposure to the environment, and lack of nutrition good medical care was needed. Port cities did not have many options for their own medical needs, much less for hundreds of sick and injured sailors (USA.gov, 2012).

Congress debated and passed the Seaman’s sickness and disability Act of 1798. The funds charged were used to build hospitals in port cities to treat those that needed medical help. This was the beginning of the US Public Health System.

There were two sides to the debate, Congressman Sewall felt that there were already provisions in place for the sick and infirm and saw no need to add another for just seamen (CAMPBELL, H. J., 1974). While Livingston felt the benefit of being taken care of in old age or if they became infirm was worth the “sacrifices of a few gills of rum” (CAMPBELL, H. J., 1974).

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