Chapter 7 &8

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Welfare and Inequality, The Search for Rational Strategies – Chapters 7&8
Poverty is an issue of concern in the American society. The chapter begins by claiming that the American poor does not receive the money allocated to take care of them. Instead, the money goes to middle-income earners, and only a sixth is given based on income criteria. Several entitlement programs have been launched ever since the launching of the most impressive one by Franklin, D. Roosevelt. The aim of such entitlement is to meet various needs that Americans require. Over half of American families have a member who is entitled to some beneficiary. The chapter defines poverty as being in a condition in which one is not able to meet his or her basic needs. US Bureau of Statistics believes that 46 million Americans are poor. However, several critics believe that many more Americans are poor than the figures given by The Bureau of Statistics.
Poverty is widespread and cuts across many Americans. However, blacks are the most hit followed by Hispanics. Female-headed homes have high poverty rates than male-headed homes. The aged are believed to be much better probably because of their savings plans, retirement benefits, and fully serviced mortgage homes. Many Americans are believed to be temporarily poor, except for 6 percent of them who remain in that category for a period more than five years. The reasons behind these people being poor include low productivity due to lack of knowledge and skills, while other factors are beyond their control.

Several preventive mechanisms have been put in place to eradicate poverty. The great depression taught American leaders that poverty could be beyond an individual’s control, for that reason Social Security programs have been enacted to encourage Americans so they can save money for the rainy days. Social security programs have had several direct and indirect impacts
The article also addresses the issue of growing inequality in the US thus making the poor to become poorer while the rich continue to grow richer. Reasons for inequality include the following in manufacturing sector, demographic trends where females head homes and much more. There is also a particular category referred to as the working poor, 10 percent of Americas poor can be identified as the working poor.
Chapter 8 begins by posing a question, Can America transform its health care? Several attempts had been made by previous presidents to turn transform America’s heath care, but it proved futile. President Obama believes that moving to provide all Americans with insurance plans is an efficient strategy. The chapter suggests that good health is much more than what the doctor can give. Instead everyone should start by taking precautions such as avoiding cigarettes. The US government spends much more money on medical care than any other country, precisely, 16 percent of US budget is channeled to health care with the elderly consuming much more than any other group. Medicaid, a program that began in 1965 provides health care to the financially challenged Americans. It is both a federal and state-run program.
States children health insurance fund (SCHIP) provide health services to children who do not qualify to get Medicaid. Several modifications have been made to polish the US health sector. By promoting managed care programs, and changes in patients’ bill of right to make it easy for the patient to get medical services are just but examples of the government’s steps to improve healthcare. Many Americans have resorted to Canadian drugs since they are cheaper than the drugs made in America. Medical practitioners have condemned the tendency. It is true and good to hear that American medical facilities are the best in the world. Health insurance reforms have made it mandatory for all Americans to undertake an insurance cover, failure to do so is punishable.
The Obamacare received mixed reactions, with the Republicans swearing to fight it to the bricks. Americans were reluctant to accept the Obama care. The president had to campaign for it, urging Americans that accepting Obama care will be the best decision they have ever made in their lives. Despite all the hiccups, America undoubtedly boasts some of the best medical facilities in the world.