This book analyzes the federal health policies followed by Reagan, Bush, and Clinton and by the Democratic-controlled Congress. The book shows the connection between the crisis of health care and the correlation of class forces in America.

• Addresses one of the key areas of contemporary public policy in the US, challenging complacent assumptions and demonstrating the enduring popularity of the welfare state
• The author was part of the Clinton team responsible for health reform

Vicente Navarro is a Professor of Health Policy, Sociology and Policy Studies at the Johns Hopkins University and is founder and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Health Services. He has been president of the International Association of Health Policy, and consultant to many governments and international agencies such as the United Nations, UNICEF and WHO. He has received many awards for his scholarship, including the John Kosa Memorial prize.