The Historical Interplay of Policy and Healthcare

This chapter explores the historical influence of government policies on health insurance, notably leading to the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. It highlights how legislative actions, started by income tax incentives, have led to ongoing challenges in healthcare affordability and innovation, often complicating rather than resolving underlying issues. The discussion reflects on the paradox of increased spending contributing to diminished quality of care, particularly for low-income individuals, while emphasizing the potential of innovations like telehealth to improve accessibility.