While many people disagree about the nature of the problem, and there is very little agreement about the solution, one thing that Americans tend to agree on is that health care is a problem. In a 2025 review of the issue by Gallup, 29 percent of Americans, nearly 1 in 3, saw health-care cost as the most urgent national health problem, and a record 23 percent saw the US health-care system as in crisis.

This volume of The Reference Shelf looks at the complexity of the US health-care system; from issues of affordability, the result of the for-profit system, and the fundamental and foundational structural dysfunctions. It also covers the debate about national health insurance, including perspectives from the Republican Party and the Democrat Party.

This volume begins with a preface, defining what is meant by saying that health care is in “crisis.” The preface also provides common issues discussed, public perceptions, and potential solutions.

The Reference Shelf: U.S. National Debate Topic, 2026-2027 includes essays that fall into five sections: Health Care Availability, Financial Issues in Health Care, U.S. Medical Insurance System, Medicare for All, and Revising or Expanding the ACA

Primary and secondary documents, plus carefully-edited introductory materials help students and researchers navigate through these important topics. The information within The Reference Shelf: National Debate Topic 2026/2027: Health Insurance provides balanced coverage, supported by comprehensive background information, on the topics of vital interest in our fast-changing world.

Health Conspiracies	Reproductive Rights	Vaccinations