The Everlasting Problem (2020)

Paul Starr, a Princeton sociology professor and healthcare history expert, teams up with Jim Marone, a Brown political science professor and co-author of "The Heart of Power." They dissect the U.S. health insurance crisis tied to employment and trace its roots from 19th-century grim hospital conditions to modern employer-based systems. The duo highlights Truman's push for universal health insurance, the fierce opposition he faced, and the lasting impacts of political resistance. Their insights prompt a critical reevaluation of healthcare in light of recent challenges.