Many experts say the U.S. healthcare system is ailing. But is it terminal, or can it be saved? In this hour, the talk turns to prescriptions for a sick healthcare system, including a new plan proposed by a coalition of big businesses that would insure everyone. Several states are introducing health plans, but some say those plans will only work with reform at the national level. What steps would you take to overhaul healthcare in the US -- and deal with the nation's 45 million uninsured people?

Plus, the US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would protect people from genetic discrimination. We'll consider what such a law could mean for patients considering genetic testing. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Karen Pollitz
Research Professor
Project Director, Health Policy Institute
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

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Atul Gawande
Author, "Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance" (Metropolitan Books, 2007)
Surgeon, Brigham and Women's Hospital
Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts

Stuart Altman
Dean and Sol C. Chaikin Professor of National Health Policy
The Heller School for Social Policy and Management
Brandeis University
Waltham, Massachusetts

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance" by Atul Gawande. Metropolitan Books, 2007.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth