There is no legal basis for Federal health care or public health.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Only at the state level

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is whether the federal government has legal authority to be involved in health care and public health. There is indeed a solid legal basis for federal involvement. The Commerce Clause gives Congress power to regulate activities that affect interstate commerce, which includes many health care and public health matters. The taxing and spending power allows the federal government to fund health programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and various public health grants to states. Specific statutes—such as the Public Health Service Act, the Social Security Act, and laws expanding health insurance markets—establish and expand federal roles in health care and public health. States handle much of public health, but the federal government has clear authority and programs that support and regulate health care nationwide. Therefore, saying there is no legal basis is not correct.