doi:10.7916/sn0j-5s85Oral history interview with Ezekiel J. Emanuel, 2021Emanuel, Ezekiel J., 1957-oral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesHealth care reform--United StatesValue-added tax--United StatesTerminal care--United StatesEmanuel, Ezekiel J., 1957-Obama, BarackUnited States. Office of Management and BudgetUnited States. National Economic CouncilUnited StatesUnited States. Independent Payment Advisory BoardAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel reflects on the impact of his upbringing and education on his decision to pursue policy work and research. Emanuel discusses his invitation to become special advisor on health policy to the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), his contribution to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and his organization of stakeholder meetings related to healthcare reform. Emanuel also comments on tort reform, data collection policy, the relationship between healthcare coverage and costs, and the implementation of a value-added tax to finance healthcare. Emanuel describes his and Peter Orszag's push to create an independent Medicare commission, known as the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Emanuel also discusses sources of contention related to healthcare reform, including a proposed Cadillac tax and end-of-life care. Emmanuel comments on the complexity of the healthcare system and the benefits of a public option