Healthy Competition: What's Holding Back Health Care and How to Free It,

by Michael F. Cannon

Government control has driven health care costs sky-high at the same time that it has reduced the quality of care. As America's health care system cries out for reform, should policymakers embrace even more government planning, or should they fight for more individual freedom? In this updated edition of their 2005 book, the authors tackle proposals that would let government manage even more of America's health care sector. The continuing problem of ever-rising health care costs makes this book as timely as ever.

Genres: Economics, Politics

180 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2005

Reviews

[Jan Brabec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad book but if you're really interested in the topic read "Overcharged: Why Americans Pay Too Much for Health Care" instead.

[Sean Rosenthal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting Quote:

"[B]ecause medicaid is a means-tested program, individuals lose eligibility if their income exceeds a certain amount. As a result, beneficiaries often avoid work and savings if it would mean losing Medicaid benefits. Likewise, potential beneficiaries often reduce work effort and savings in order to become eligible. These incentives pull many Americans toward poverty. Meanwhile, the tax burden imposed by Medicaid--which includes its effects on the cost of private medical care and insurance--makes the climb out of poverty more difficult for those who try."

-Michael Cannon and Michael Tanner, Healthy Competition

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of how competition would improve healthcare.

[Nedland P.]

For anyone interested in the healthcare debate, this is well worth reading.