should taxpayers be funding healthcare in those with unhealthy lifestyles?

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incandescentscrutiny

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In a country like Australia, where healthcare is funded by the government, do you think medicare and ultimately the taxpayers should be paying to treat people who have in a way 'brought this upon themselves'? for examples treating smokers for emphysema.

My own personal opinion is that yes they should, as it is difficult to draw the line, so many conditions are related to lifestyle in some way.

What is your opinion?
 
I agree with you. It'd be really hard to draw the line anywhere, so instead of punishing people for "bringing things upon themselves", I think it'd be better to make incentives for people to live healthier lives (people being able to write off on their taxes money used to pay for gym/health club memberships, programs like weight watchers, etc.).
 
I believe this is one of those questions that will always be too hazy to answer, or come to a solid yes or no, simply because of what you said, in regards to where is the line drawn?

I believe that most people in the world live somewhat of an unhealthy lifestyle, as it is human nature to have a vice or vices. For some it is alcohol, some it is illegal drugs, some it is legal drugs, some it is smoking, some it is eating too much or eating foods that are not that healthy, in the end it would begin to become an issue with violating peoples rights and freedoms.

It would take a lot of work to try and develop a plan that would be able to actually assign a line to the requirements, as well as what negative consequences would go with those established requirements, as well as what levels of "breaking the requirements would be". Some people smoke only 5 cigarettes a day, some smoke a pack a day, some smoke two packs a day....you see what I am getting at.

This is the same reason in the USA that we do not make recipients of welfare and government aid pass drug screening and other protocols to receive the funds.....it would be a good idea, but difficult to regulate and manage.
 
Well, I'm glad I live in the United States because we still have a private insurance system. No, tax payers should not have to pay for people who are reckless and bring disease or injury upon themselves due to risky behavior.
 
Well, I'm glad I live in the United States because we still have a private insurance system. No, tax payers should not have to pay for people who are reckless and bring disease or injury upon themselves due to risky behavior.
 
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