This could have been a lot shorter, or at least separated into different books. The audience for this book was never really clear because it felt like it was supposed to be written for the everyday person to read but at the same time it felt like a textbook (of which there are clearer and more concise ones on this topic). I also think there needed to be a more robust discussion about equity and the social determinants of health because to talk solely about health insurance without a fuller contextual analysis misses a huge part of the conversation about health and the cost of health care.

The author mentioned he is a Republican, but it also felt painfully and constantly obvious in his writing, which felt like an odd choice for all the talk about this being a bipartisan solution.

This 528-page book is perfect for someone who wants to explore the entire healthcare labyrinth.
Marc Ryan navigates it better than a minotaur.

It's a perfect book for someone who wants a comprehensive overview of the messy US healthcare system.
I learned that the US system is unique in the world because it's mostly employer-provided healthcare.
When people compare the US system with other countries, it's a bit like comparing apples to oranges.
They are completely different paradigms and having a complete revolution is unlikely.
Any solution must work without the existing framework.

The reason I'm deducting one star is that, for the average reader, it's too detailed.
Ryan delves into the minutia.
In his acknowledgments, I believe, he thanked his family for helping to edit his book.
It shows.
For it to be a 5-star book, it needs to be chopped in half.
There are a few sections that are repetitive and are too detailed.
I had to skim many parts.

Of course, if you love the nitty-gritty, then you might love this book.

I liked the book because it's level-headed.
He's bipartisan and seeks a middle ground - something that the US sorely needs!