Ethics Governance
Ethics & Governance - Resources and Articles |
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| Article - Abstract. To view full article click on the article title. | |
CBHD: Should Medicare Pay for Drugs Like Viagra? - by Robert E. Cranston “If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride,” says an old aphorism. If we had all the money we wanted, we could purchase all manner of discretionary products and services. If I had my way, I would be smarter, richer, better looking, and perhaps 10 years younger. On February 1, Laurie Kellman, writing for the Associated Press, reported Medicare’s decision to cover “sexual performance drugs such as Viagra” in their new prescription drug program.1 With the rare exception of potential utility for treatment of enlarged hearts, Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis all are used primarily to treat sexual dysfunction. While I would certainly not wish erectile dysfunction on anyone, I have to ask myself, “Should we as taxpayers really be responsible for subsidizing what amounts to elective, primarily recreational activity?” One might argue that sexuality is a much larger issue than recreation, and that difficulty with sexual performance may impair relationships, social functioning, and general joy of life. I agree. And if money were no issue and we had no other compelling needs, then I would gladly allocate funds to this perceived need. Full Article: http://www.cbhd.org/resources/healthcare/cranston_2005-02-11.htm |
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2006 Ethics-Governance.com |
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