Inside National Health Reform

The ACA (or Obamacare, whatever you choose to call it) is probably one of the most important and controversial topic of discussion in this decade, especially as the country gears up for the next election. A lot has been said about it in the news, discussions, expert opinions etc. As each political party blames the other for things that could've been done better, its important to understand the political process that went behind creation and passing of the bill. I think this book does a great job in explaining that process. I dont have any political affiliations so cant comment on the author's bias. If you are just getting to learn about reforms, and want to read about the history, this is perfect. However, if you are looking for a critique on the reform, you should look elsewhere. Also, if you are looking for a quick read, look elsewhere. This one needs a pretty high level of interest in understanding the political process.

A lively read written by an academic who played a key role in the legislation we know as the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare.) The author informs the reader that a culture exists where 90% of U.S. physicians accept gifts large and small plus other benefits from pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers. Physicians are given opportunities to earn speaking fees, consulting fees, dinners, lunches, and trips. Such perks raised questions in Congress about physician-prescribing behavior for products sold by manufacturers. The Physicians Sunshine Payments Act of 2002 requires public disclosure of this activity by the medical industry, physicians, and hospitals. This law was expanded under Subtitle A of Title VI of the ACA.Included in the book is a guide to government agencies on the internet providing information about health policy and updates. A great resource!I purchased "Inside National Health Reform" as a used paperbook from Amazon.com. Amazon delivered the book promptly and in good condition

The author wrote it well with clear inside knowledge but with rose colored glasses. McDonough's facts were clearly outlined and spoke to the mounting issues of ACA in 2017. Within two paragraphs, it was clear ACA was underfunded from the start and a ticking time bomb from 2017 through 2020. Anyone interested in learning about ACA from a historical perspective should put this on their short list.

An excellent book -- very simply, the absolutely best single introduction to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that has yet been written. The author was there when the law was written, and he has told us the whole story of how it came to be, so that we can understand why it is so complex, and yet so incomplete. The chapter by chapter dissection of each Section of the Act is absolutely invaluable for anyone who must really understand it in all its detail, and must actually try to work with it. I cannot recommend this book too highly if you are tired of political trash talk from both sides, and just want to know what ObamaCare is and is not.

Inside National Health Reform offers an uncommon combination of both the political process and policy substance of the Affordable Care Act. From his unique perspective, John McDonough provides a first-hand, thoughtful account of the politics surrounding health reform, and supplies the context for how our health care system, and its many problems, came to be. Further, McDonough's thorough and balanced description of the provisions included in the ACA go far to educate readers on the substance and potential implications of the new law, written in both an entertaining and accessible way. The book revives much-needed optimism about the future of our health care system at a time when we are too quick to forget the historic accomplish and sweeping benefits the ACA.

Provides real insight into the machinations and compromising that went into passage of the PPACA. Very clear explanations of the various parts of the law. And the history of national welfare adds insight (Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid). I did not find political bias in the book.

Before I found this book, I had searched for a while for a reasonably concise explanation of what the Affordable Care Act does and why it does it. This book was just what I needed. Some of chapters are quite dry, as I expected they would be given the subject matter. The book also seems fairly balanced but I am not an expert in the field.

This detailed look at the Affordable Care Act (2010) provides great understanding of the intent of it's 10 titles. In addition, one also gets a clearer understanding of how the legislative process takes place. This act has the potential of having an impact as great as Social Security and Medicare. John McDonough provides an understandable read for a complex subject.