654Z Summer 2026 The Stalled March for Universal Health Insurance in America

The U.S. pays more, as a percent of national income than other advanced industrialized countries, and yet gets poorer health results. Past attempts to replace its patchy financing system and enact universal public health care will be examined. We will explore how several other countries organize and pay for their health care. Would a major step toward a government-provided system be a ticket to success or an albatross around the neck? In session two we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of a universal Medicare Part A program as a next step.

Jim Cantwell is chair of the OLLI Philosophy and Religious Studies program planning group and has taught numerous courses at OLLI.