Access

All individuals have a right to affordable, high-quality, timely, health care*.

* We define ‘health’ inclusively and holistically as physical, mental, and oral.  Health care therefore should encompass preventive, acute and chronic care services for physical, mental and oral health needs.

Affordability

All individuals have a right to health care coverage free of cost barriers and undue financial burden. 

Guaranteed Choice

Individuals have the right to a choice of health care providers that is sufficient to ensure access to health care that meets their needs.

Respect and Nondiscrimination 

Individuals have the right to be treated with dignity and respect by the health care system at all times and under all circumstances.   

Transparency and Accountability

Individuals have the right to receive accurate, timely, understandable information in order to make decisions about their health care plans, treatment options, professionals, and facilities.  Individuals also have the right to any assistance they need to navigate the system (e.g. patient navigator or advocate, interpreter/translator).

Individuals have the right to barrier-free access to their own medical records.  They have the right to challenge and correct their medical record when there are errors.

Participation in Treatment Decisions

Individuals have the right and responsibility to understand and participate fully in all decisions related to their health care, including the right to reject treatments or services, as allowed by law, based upon his or her judgment of risks and benefits.  Individuals who are unable to participate fully in treatment decisions have the right to be represented by parents, significant others, guardians, family members, or other conservators.

Confidentiality

Individuals have the right to communicate with health care providers in confidence and to have the confidentiality of their individually identifiable health care information protected.

Legal Recourse

All Individuals have the right to a fair and efficient process free from conflict of interest for resolving differences with their health care plans, health care providers, and health care facilities.  Individuals have the right to expect that their government will provide consumer protections and oversight of the health care system and those working within it.

Consumer Responsibilities

In a health care system that empowers consumers and protects their rights, it is appropriate to expect and encourage individuals to assume reasonable responsibilities.  Greater individual involvement in one’s care increases the likelihood of achieving the best outcomes and helps support a quality improvement, cost-conscious environment.** 

Individuals have the responsibility, to the best of their ability, to maximize healthy habits; become educated about healthy behaviors and choices; be actively involved in health care decisions; carry out agreed-upon treatment plans; articulate end-of-life care ahead of time that is legally binding (e.g. living wills, DNR orders); report fraud; and share costs commensurate with financial ability.

** However, it is important to note that the system must provide adequate health care to meet consumer needs regardless of the degree to which individuals exercise personal responsibility or not.