Health Economics.

Catalog description

This course applies the tools of microeconomics to the study of health care. It provides an analysis of how decisions are made by health care providers, consumers, and third parties responsible for payments (e.g. health insurers). The course is built around individuals' demand for health care and the supply of services by doctors and hospitals. Topics covered include health insurance, managed care and industry competitions, the pharmaceutical industry, the role of the government as a provider of care, long-term care, international health comparisons, and cost-benefit analysis/cost-effectiveness analysis. Prerequisite: ECON 051 or ECON 053 .