America spends more than any other developed nation on health care--$2.1 trillion in 2007 alone--yet 46 million Americans are still uninsured, and those who are insured often receive costly but inappropriate care. While there is little doubt that the health system needs reform, there is substantial disagreement about the role of government versus that of the market. Congress must also determine whether comprehensive health system reform can be undertaken in light of the growing financial crisis facing the nation and the political failure of the 1992-93 Clinton health plan.

Oxford- and Harvard-educated political philosopher and medical doctor Ezekiel Emanuel argues in Healthcare, Guaranteed: A Simple, Secure Solution for America (PublicAffairs, 2008) that only comprehensive reform will save our inefficient and fiscally unsustainable health care system. Emanuel will present the case for a plan that ensures coverage for all Americans, replacing existing employment-based insurance with individual coverage held to national standards for coverage and affordability. AEI's Joseph Antos and Thomas P. Miller will discuss their views of the proposal and examine prospects for health reform in the new administration. AEI's Robert Helms will moderate.