Description
Book SynopsisAll developed countries in the world today, especially in the U.S., face a common problem: they have promised more than they can deliver. People are expecting benefits for which taxpayers are not likely willing or able to pay. In addition, the benefits that government provides are all too often delivered inefficiently, impersonally, inflexibly, and in a way that encourages perverse behavior on the part of the beneficiaries. In
New Way to Care: Social Protections That Put Families First, the author, John C. Goodman, considers this dilemma and explores reasonable alternatives to our current dependency on inefficient government programs. Dr. Goodman guides us through the governmental maze of healthcare, social security and other governmental insurance programs, and offers important solutions that are relevant for today.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: A Better Approach to Public Policy
- Section I: Managing Life's Risks
- 1. The Case for Change
- 2. Opportunities for Change
- 3. The Mechanics of Change
- 4. The Parameters of Change
- Section II: Taking a Closer Look at the Risks
- 5. The Risk of Growing Too Old and Outliving One's Assets
- 6. The Risk of Dying Too Young and Leaving Dependent
- Family Members without Resources
- 7. The Risk of Becoming Disabled and Facing Financial Ruin
- 8. The Risk of Facing a Major Health Event and Being Unable to Afford Needed Medical Care
- 9. The Risk of Becoming Unemployed and Finding No Market for One's Skills
- Section III: Taking a Closer Look at Some Solutions
- 10. Addressing the Risks of Old Age
- 11. Opting Out of Social Security Survivors' Insurance
- 12. Opting Out of Social Security Disability Insurance
- 13. Addressing the Risk of Ill-health
- 14. Opting Out of Unemployment Insurance
- Conclusion: Life Under a Reformed System
