This episode of The Indicator from Planet Money explores the history of the American Medical Association's (AMA) opposition to single-payer healthcare. The hosts interview an economist and physician who details how doctors, fearing loss of income and control, successfully lobbied against government-sponsored health insurance in the 1940s, utilizing political consulting firms and framing the issue as a fight against socialism and communism. The narrative highlights the role of Whitaker and Baxter, a pioneering political consulting firm, in shaping public opinion and ultimately defeating President Truman's proposed national health insurance plan. The episode also touches upon the AMA's current stance on single-payer healthcare and the evolving views of doctors on the issue.
