The Health Care Reform Act of 2010 brought many challenges that complicated, rather than clarified, the debate of the best solutions to health care. This complex issue has Americans struggling with regard to economic, fiscal, and monetary policy as they relate to philosophical approaches to the health care problem. Debates on U.S. Health Care uses essays to provide readers with views on both sides of the debates regarding the complex issues of the Health Care Reform Act.

Debates on U.S. Health Care is divided into three main sections, each with its own editor. Editors and contributors are very experienced in the field. The three main sections are “Philosophical, political, and legal debates” ; “Economic and fiscal debates” ; and “Quality debates.” Each of these main sections is then divided into subsections with multiple topics for debate. Each entry follows the same format. They begin with a brief point, counterpoint, and introduction. The introduction presents the broad theme and also provides historical background. The point and counterpoint are then expanded upon. The point and counterpoint taken together give the reader a well-rounded sense of the issue in its entirety. A brief conclusion and references are provided at the end of each side of the debate. A comprehensive index is included at the end of the volume. Each debate is well thought out with strong arguments for both sides. Issues are laid out in a very easy to understand manner.

I compared this source to two similar sources that each focused on debates in health care issues. The first is CQ Researcher’s Health Care Issues: Selections from CQ Researcher (CQ Press, 2010). This volume also provides background and historical context along with the “Current Situation” and an “Outlook.” Two experts provide pro versus con debates on an issue. One feature this volume has that Debates on U.S. Health Care does not is a chronology of key debates.

The second comparison source is Gary Taylor and Helen Hawley’s Key Debates in Health Care (Open University Press, 2010). This volume focuses on debates that might resonate more with front line health care workers. This volume does not solely focus on health care in the United States.

In my opinion, Debates on U.S. Health Care is a better source than the two comparison sources. The material is organized in a clear way, and the issues are debated in a more organized fashion. The debates go into greater detail. Debates on U.S. Health Care is a good source for gaining an understanding of both sides of a health care issue. This source would be a good addition to an undergraduate reference collection with programs in sociology, public heath, public policy, law, and related programs.