Unpredictable chaos adds up to something over time. That’s David Smith’s story, and it’s also the origin story behind our broken health care system. This week, we explore why sickness pays and health doesn’t, and how we got here in the first place. Our guests this episode are economic historian Melissa Thomasson, health care journalist Elisabeth Rosenthal and futurist Ian Morrison. 

 

Keep up with David on twitter @CHIDavidSmith. 

 

Resources from the episode:

• Learn more about the history of our health care system from Melissa Thomasson on Planet Money 
• Elisabeth Rosenthal’s book, An American Sickness
• Bill of the Month series, a Kaiser Health News + NPR collaboration

 

Keep up with David on twitter @CHIDavidSmith. 

 

Have you been hit with a surprise bill or had an infuriating run-in with the health care system? If you want to submit a patient story, email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 833-453-6662. 

 

Support for this podcast comes from The Commonwealth Fund, a health care research foundation working to improve the U.S. health system. Visit commonwealthfund.org/costofcare, and stay connected by following us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Commonwealth Fund: Affordable, quality health care. For everyone.

 

You can click this link for a full list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows.

 

To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/thecostofcare/ shortly after the air date.

 

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.