The David Frum Show Architect of Obamacare: Health Care Is Still a Mess
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Dec 3, 2025 
Jonathan Gruber, an economist and healthcare policy expert from MIT, shares insights on the tumultuous history of the Affordable Care Act. He discusses the persistent issues plaguing the American healthcare system, including high costs and misinformation around health outcomes. Gruber contrasts the U.S. system with successful models from other countries and highlights the impact of middlemen on pricing. The duo also delves into the alarming rise of anti-vaccine sentiment and the challenges faced by public health advocacy.
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Politics Shapes Trust In Science
- The Trump administration's scandals and anti-science stances complicate health policy and research funding.
- Frum and Gruber link political misinformation to threats against vaccines and basic germ theory acceptance.
High Spend, Deep Disparities
- The U.S. spends ~18% of GDP on healthcare while outcomes and disparities lag other developed countries.
- Jonathan Gruber says the system yields great care for the 'haves' and worse care for the 'have-nots' at high cost.
Price Regulation Trumps Single Payer Alone
- Single payer is just one component; universal coverage and price regulation matter more for outcomes.
- Gruber argues regulating healthcare prices is crucial because the U.S. uniquely lets market forces set many prices.
