The Myth of America's Free Market Healthcare | IEA Book Club

IEA Podcast

The Institute of Economic Affairs hosted a Book Club event featuring Michael F. Cannon, Director of Health Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, to discuss his book "Recovery: A Guide to Reforming the U.S. Health System."

The event was moderated by Tom Clougherty, IEA Executive Director. Cannon provided an in-depth analysis of the U.S. healthcare system, challenging the common perception that it is a free market system. He argued that the U.S. has every form of socialised medicine found in other countries, from employer-sponsored insurance to government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Cannon advocated for market-based reforms to drive down costs, improve quality, and increase access to healthcare.

Key topics covered included the role of third-party payers in driving up healthcare spending, the innovations emerging in pockets of the market, and the need to empower consumers to control their healthcare dollars. Cannon also reflected on the life and legacy of David Boaz, the late Executive Vice President of the Cato Institute and a titan of the liberty movement.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit insider.iea.org.uk/subscribe