Activity 1: Letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services

Instruct students to write a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services explaining about the inadequacies of the U.S. health-care system, especially as it relates to veterans, American Indians, and African Americans. They should provide statistical details and explain the cost–benefit analysis on a particular population that may benefit great from a type of intervention.

Activity 2: Creating Universal Health Care

Have students prepare a report about the lack of universal health care, which speaks to the disadvantages of our current system. They should also discuss the advantages of establishing a universal health-care system. Students should use historical details in the chapter and discuss the current trends as well.

Activity 3: Managed Care

Have students work on their own and respond to the following questions and prompts.

• Working on your own, write down the major types of managed care. Explain these types and provide answers to the following questions.
• What are the differences?
• What are the benefits of managed care?
• What do social workers think about managed care in relation to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that states “everyone has right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family”?

Activity 4: Web Search

Instruct students to use their favorite web search tool, search for “health” and click on the “news” filter. They should provide some examples of important health stories in the news, then compare results with a partner.

Activity 5: Health Care---Right or Privilege?

Students should work independently and follow these instructions:

• Visit https://healthcare.procon.org/should-all-americans-have-the-right-be-entitled-to-health-care-pro-con-quotes/. Read through the arguments that discuss different positions about whether health care is a right.
• Which position do you agree with? Choose the opposite side and write a 2-minute speech stating the strongest argument you can make for those who disagree with you.