Paul Starr

Join Paul Starr, a Princeton sociology professor with expertise in American healthcare's history, and Jim Marone, a political science professor at Brown University, as they unravel America's complex health insurance saga. They discuss how the shift from universal coverage to employer-based insurance created a system that often leaves many vulnerable. The conversation touches on President Truman's push for universal health insurance, the impact of World War II on healthcare access, and how political resistance shaped today's health landscape.

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.