The “Rationing” of Medical Care

Abstract

"The United States will soon have to begin rationing medical care." Although we hear this warning with increasing frequency,¹ taken literally the statement is sheer nonsense. It is nonsense because the United States has always rationed medical care, just as every country always has and always will ration care. No nation is wealthy enough to supply all the care that is technically feasible and desirable; no nation can provide "presidential medicine" for all its citizens. Moreover, medical care is hardly unique in this respect. The United States "rations" automobiles, houses, restaurant meals — all the goods and services that make . . .