Popular Government, Vol. 37 (Classic Reprint): March, 1971

Health policy in crisis: why America spends so much yet experiences uneven care.

This nonfiction issue examines the nation's health system after World War II, looking at hospitals, medical education, and the various federal programs that shape care today. It analyzes why expansion and funding did not automatically translate into better access or quality, and how planning efforts have fared in closing gaps in services.

What you’ll read about:

• The postwar push to build rural hospitals and the resulting challenges with utilization and costs.


• How medical schools were financed and the impact on medical education and future care.


• Different national attempts to improve care, from regional programs to comprehensive health planning.


• Liability considerations and evolving legal issues around blood transfusions and patient safety.

Ideal for readers of policy analysis and history who want a grounded look at how health care policy evolved and what questions remain about access, financing, and quality.