Reference no: EM133418966

Case Study: Physicians for A National Health Program describes a man from Houston, Texas, who was the first in his family to complete college. After his BA, he got professional chef's training, eventually becoming head chef. He built up a custom catering business and employed 25 other people. He married, had two children, and was putting money away for their college funds. He had health insurance, auto insurance, and his own home. One night, on the way home from a catering job, he had an automobile accident, running head on into a commercial flatbed truck, parked and jutting out into the road without lights or blinkers. He survived but was in the hospital for almost a year. The owner of the truck did not have insurance. Although the man had health insurance, his accumulated out- of- pocket costs far exceeded what he could pay. He declared bankruptcy.

Being unable to work, the chef lost his business; his employees lost their jobs; he and his family lost their house; they lost the kids' college fund; and he lost both legs amputated above the knee. When he was finally discharged from the hospital, he wound up in a shelter, where eventually he was able to put his professional chef skills to work in the "soup kitchen."

Questions:

1. Was this a case merely of bad luck?
2. What do you imagine was the impact of this series of catastrophes on this man's children and on the children of his employees? Think about all the implications.
3. Should a person in this situation have to become bankrupt or turn to family if one is so privileged to have family members who could afford to help financially?
4. How might reform of the health care system make a difference in this tragedy?