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What if high-quality treatment programs were available free to all 48 million Americans over the age of 12 who, according to federal estimates, have a substance use disorder involving drugs, alcohol or both? (Nicholas Kristof, 2/14)

For two decades, consumers have been able to quickly determine by looking at a food label if a product contains a major allergen, such as dairy, eggs, peanuts or wheat. So why don't the same labeling requirements apply to medications, which also are used widely and taken by mouth? (2/15)

When I interviewed Ronald Reagan about his health in 1980, he was 69 and poised to become the oldest person to be elected president. During our conversation, Reagan was mentally sharp. In a light moment he feigned a wrenched back and asked what I (a physician) would do for it. (Lawrence K. Altman, 2/16)

In safety-net systems, resource constraints mean that each outlay for a patient’s care must be measured against its opportunity costs. Various ethical frameworks could guide such decisions about resource allocation and management. (Dave A. Chokshi, M.D., and Frederick P. Cerise, M.D., M.P.H., 2/15)