Full Description
All developed countries in the world today, especially in the U.S., face a common problem: they have promised more than they can deliver. People are expecting benefits for which taxpayers are not likely willing or able to pay. In addition, the benefits that government provides are all too often delivered inefficiently, impersonally, inflexibly, and in a way that encourages perverse behavior on the part of the beneficiaries. In New Way to Care: Social Protections That Put Families First, the author, John C. Goodman, considers this dilemma and explores reasonable alternatives to our current dependency on inefficient government programs. Dr. Goodman guides us through the governmental maze of healthcare, social security and other governmental insurance programs, and offers important solutions that are relevant for today.
Contents
Introduction: A Better Approach to Public Policy
Section I: Managing Life's Risks
1. The Case for Change
2. Opportunities for Change
3. The Mechanics of Change
4. The Parameters of Change
Section II: Taking a Closer Look at the Risks
5. The Risk of Growing Too Old and Outliving One's Assets
6. The Risk of Dying Too Young and Leaving Dependent
Family Members without Resources
7. The Risk of Becoming Disabled and Facing Financial Ruin
8. The Risk of Facing a Major Health Event and Being Unable to Afford Needed Medical Care
9. The Risk of Becoming Unemployed and Finding No Market for One's Skills
Section III: Taking a Closer Look at Some Solutions
10. Addressing the Risks of Old Age
11. Opting Out of Social Security Survivors' Insurance
12. Opting Out of Social Security Disability Insurance
13. Addressing the Risk of Ill-health
14. Opting Out of Unemployment Insurance
Conclusion: Life Under a Reformed System
