Governing Health: The Politics of Health Policy

by Carol S. Weissert, William G. Weissert

Governing Health examines health care policy making from a long-term, political perspective, describing how Congress, the president, special interest groups, bureaucracy, and state governments help define health policy problems and find politically feasible solutions. The third edition of this pathbreaking book is updated to cover recent legislative efforts, including the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Praise for previous editions of Governing Health

464 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1902

Reviews

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

2006 edition - there is an updated edition now out.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good overview of healthcare governance and policy in the US, but a bit shallow on some complex aspects of the system and dwells a bit too much on some simpler topics. It's also not the best writing around (then again, it is an academic text). Given the constantly-shifting nature of the topic it's also worth noting that it's only as good as the most recent update. If you're willing to do a lot of Googling to fill in the gaps, though, it's a good introduction to the subject.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Political science view on the health care debate. I love that it shares the historical tales and political toil rather than focusing on socio-economic issues.