From Roosevelt to Clinton, many American presidents tried to pass universal coverage but failed. Nevertheless, Obama and the Democratic leadership chose to tackle the issue again and succeeded in getting the Affordable Care (ACA) law passed. Stuart Altman, Former Assistant Secretary of the US department of Health, Education and Welfare explores health reform - what made it necessary, the competing proposals that existed before the ACA was passed, and if it will slow healthcare spending. Recorded on 02/06/2014. (#27899)