Origins of American Health Insurance
A History of Industrial Sickness Funds
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Yale University Press
Published:16th Nov '07
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This book examines the historical roots of workplace-based health insurance in the United States, revealing key factors behind its development.
The Origins of American Health Insurance delves into the historical development of the unique workplace-based health insurance system in the United States. It traces the evolution from 19th-century sickness funds that were provided by industrial employers and labor unions, to the establishment of group plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield in the mid-20th century. This transformation reflects not only the changing landscape of healthcare but also the socio-economic factors that shaped these developments.
The book poses critical questions regarding the failure of Progressive initiatives to create a government-backed health insurance system. It examines why these efforts were unsuccessful and highlights the political influence of various stakeholders, including insurers, employers, and labor unions. John Murray argues that the narrative is more straightforward than previously thought. Through meticulous analysis, he reveals that many workers were satisfied with the private insurance options available to them, leading to a rejection of compulsory state insurance.
In revisiting the Origins of American Health Insurance, Murray offers a fresh perspective on the historical context of health insurance in the U.S. He discusses how this history informs current debates about healthcare policy and reform. The book not only illuminates the past but also provides valuable insights into the ongoing discussions surrounding health insurance today, making it a significant contribution to the field of health policy studies.
"Murray offers us a revisionist history of Progressive-era health care reforms, marshalling evidence from a treasure trove of sources."—Howard Bodenhorn, Lafayette College
-- Howard Bodenhorn
“Murray’s startling and new findings have important implications for current policy debates—especially proposed reforms to the American health insurance industry.”—Werner Troesken, University of Pittsburgh
-- Werner Troesken
“John Murray’s Origins is a strikingly original reconsideration of Progressive-era industrial sickness funds—their track record, their appeal for high-mobility American workers, and their political implications. Good books on health policy history are sorely needed these days, both for economists and the general public. This one is highly recommended.”—Gavin Wright, Stanford University
-- Gavin Wright“John Murray offers a compelling explanation for the defeat of governmental health insurance in the United States during the early twentieth century. Murray finds that voters rejected governmental plans because they saw no reason to change the status quo. This book is a devastating retort to the dominant interpretation which holds that this movement fell prey to the power of special interests and hysterical propaganda.”—David T. Beito, University of Alabama
-- David T. Beito"Murray’s superb history of sickness insurance and the demise of attempts to enact a government substitute during the Progressive Era is a must-read for anyone interested in the current health insurance debates."—Price V. Fishback, co-author of A Prelude to the Welfare State: The Origins of Workers’ Compensation
-- Price V. Fishback". . . [A]n engaging and readable history of a neglected set of institutions, combined with a vigorous (but fair) argument about how some scholars have misunderstood the operation of these funds. He draws evidence from both qualitative historical records and econometric analysis."—Thomas N. Maloney, Project Muse -- Thomas N. Maloney * Project Muse *
"One of the book's most admirable and compelling aspects is the respectful way Murray treats those with whom he disagrees. In this way, Origins of American Health Insurance is a model of balance and thoroughness. . . . Murray's book is simply the best, most balanced, and most thorough treatment of the topic available. I cannot recommend it more highly or with any greater enthusiasm. Origins of American Health Insurance is simultaneously a lesson in economics and a lesson in history."—Werner Troesken, The Independent Review -- Werner Troesken * The Independent Revi
ISBN: 9780300120912
Dimensions: 235mm x 156mm x 25mm
Weight: 685g
336 pages