An overview of health policies in the U.S., Health and Poverty examines gaps in social and health care policies at the federal, state, and municipal levels; the impact of economic recessions on health care; and how our health policies are inextricably linked with political agendas, economic priorities, and social and cultural values. In an attempt to bridge issues of health with issues of social and health policy related to poverty in America, this important book explores the need to make fundamental change to the structure of the medical and health care system. It contends that the incremental modifications the U.S. government has taken have not changed regional and economic disparity, granted equal access to services or equality of care, or eliminated discrimination.