The authors use a political economy perspective to explain why the effects of public medical care policy in America are often at odds with widely accepted notions of the public interest. Medical inflation, national heath insurance, reduction of hospital capacity, and regulation of long term care, are among the key issues discussed. "An interesting insight into health care policy in the USA is provided by this book which systematically analyses medical care policy formation and implementation in that country...Very relevant to today"s debate in the United Kingdom." -- Journal of the Institute of Health Education, Vol 21 No 1 "In adopting a positive approach to health policy, this book...succeeds in deliverin