To determine the rating of a particular health care system, which variable is essential alongside cost and quality?

Access is a crucial variable when determining the effectiveness of a health care system, alongside cost and quality. Evaluating access involves assessing how easily individuals can obtain necessary health services, including physical proximity to health care providers, availability of services, affordability, and the presence of barriers that might prevent people from receiving care. Without proper access, even a system that is high in quality and low in cost can fail to meet the health needs of the population. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of a health care system must include access to ensure that all individuals can benefit from the available services.

The other options do not align as closely with this triad of cost, quality, and a complete assessment of a healthcare system's effectiveness. Budgets pertain to financial planning rather than direct services, property refers more to physical assets rather than health care delivery, and injury, while relevant to health outcomes, does not address the systemic aspects of accessing care.