ECON 324 - Economics of US Health Policy

Credits: (3)
Prerequisite(s): ECON 101
Economics plays an important role in the design of public policies that address problems in the U.S. healthcare system. Economic theory and analysis can point public policymakers to the underlying causes of problems, help to design policy solutions, and evaluate the effects of implemented policies. This course provides an introduction to the use of economics to address major health policy problems. After a review of the U.S. healthcare system’s general structure and historical development, the course focuses on two major topics: how is healthcare financed, and what drives growth in healthcare spending? In both areas, we will examine economic analysis of past, present, and future public policy to improve financial access to healthcare and lower the rate of growth of healthcare spending.
Cross-listed with: PUBP 324