True or False? The American Medical Association consistently opposed the idea of universal health insurance coverage from the early 1900s through the 1970s.

The statement is accurate in that the American Medical Association (AMA) did indeed express consistent opposition to universal health insurance coverage from the early 1900s through the 1970s. This resistance stemmed from various concerns, including fears that government intervention would lead to a decline in the quality of care and an infringement on physicians' autonomy. The AMA advocated for a system that maintained private practice and insurance, rather than transitioning to a universal coverage model that would involve more extensive government regulation.

During this period, the AMA also worked to shape public opinion and policy regarding health care, emphasizing the importance of a market-driven approach over a government-led initiative. Their opposition was rooted in both ideological beliefs about the role of government in healthcare and practical concerns about how such a system would impact physicians and their practices. This historical context is crucial for understanding the evolution of healthcare policy and the longstanding debates around universal coverage in the United States.