Healthy, Wealthy, and Fair

America may be one of the wealthiest countries in the world, yet its citizens have lower life expectancy, more infant mortalities, and higher adolescent death rates than those in most other advanced industrial nations--and even some developing countries. In Healthy, Wealthy, and Fair a distinguished group of health policy experts pointedly examines this troubling paradox, as they chart the stark disparities in health and wealth in the United States. Rich in insight and extensive in scope, these incisive essays explain how growing income inequality, high poverty rates, and inadequate coverage combine to create the U.S.'s current healthcare difficulties. Ultimately, Healthy, Wealthy, and Fair not only identifies the problems contributing to America's healthcare woes but also outlines concrete policy proposals for reform, issuing a clarion call to end the stalemate over health reform.

James A. Morone is Professor of Political Science at Brown University. He is the author of over 100 articles and essays and is a frequent contributor to The American Prospect and the London Review of Books. His most recent book is Hellfire Nation.

Lawrence R. Jacobs is the Walter F. and Joan Mondale Chair for Political Studies at the University of Minnesota. His most recent books include Inequality and American Democracy with Theda Skocpol and Politicians Don't Pander: Political Manipulation and the Loss of Democratic Responsiveness with Robert Y. Shapiro.