This book, in its third edition, offers readers a comprehensive and analytical overview of the historic and contemporary involvement of government and politics in The development of health policy. Chapters are organized around four major areas. The first places health politics and policy within a historical, social, and economic perspective. Part two focuses on an exploration of the interface between health policy and the political structure. Part three covers the role of public opinion and health interest groups in the formulation of health policy. Part four explores the relationship of health policy and the political process in the areas of: health care finance, access to health care and health care reform as well as mental, disability, and environmental health.