Toward a Social Policy for Health

Reform of the medical care system in the United States is now a political and economic priority. In the current debate, the terms “health care” and “medical care” are often used interchangeably, reflecting a cultural view that they are synonymous. As a result, health care reform is viewed primarily in medical terms.“Health care” and “medical care,” however, are not synonyms. Health care permeates all aspects of daily life. It centers on the prevention of illness. Health care includes social elements such as good housing and sanitation, a safe work environment, stable interpersonal relationships, sufficient income, and education. Medical care, . . .