In this chapter, you will learn how to:

1. Analyze the evolution of the healthcare system in the United States
2. Analyze how health disparities are powerfully linked to economic inequality in the United States
3. Describe the political economy of the health sector, including powerful players and interests, as well as underrepresented ones—and identify some key advocacy groups in the health sector
4. Analyze seven core problems in the American health system and identify examples of Red Flag Alerts with respect to each of them
5. Identify background information about the causes and scope of each of the seven core problems
6. Identify important regulations, statutes, and programs that are important resources for advocates
7. Drawing upon vignettes in this chapter, discuss how advocates can move from micro policy advocacy to mezzo and macro policy advocacy
8. Learn about “breaking news” in the healthcare system
9. Discuss a major proposal for reforming the American healthcare system