Question

The only treatment alternative left for a patient diagnosed with advanced cancer is a rare, highly experimental bone marrow transfusion with a 10% success rate. The insurance company refuses to authorize payment for the $200,000 procedure, arguing that the money could be better spent providing well-baby screening for 2,000 residents in the service area. What does this decision by the insurance company reflect?

A) Unethical conduct
B) Maleficence
C) Paternalism
D) Utility

Answer 1

The decision by the insurance company reflects Utility - the idea that the decision that provides the greatest overall benefit should be chosen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The decision by the insurance company reflects Utility - the idea that the decision that provides the greatest overall benefit should be chosen. In this case, the insurance company is prioritizing providing well-baby screening for 2,000 residents over funding the rare and experimental bone marrow transfusion for the patient with advanced cancer. The insurance company believes that the money would be better spent on a procedure that has a low success rate. While this decision may seem harsh, it is based on the principle of maximizing overall utility.