The aim of this course is
to provide students with an overview of the U.S. health care system, its
components, and the policy challenges being discussed. We will give special
attention to the status of health reform and the role of the state and federal
levels and to the budgetary implications of health care spending more broadly.
We will focus on the major health policy institutions and important issues that
cut across institutions, including private insurers and the federal/state
financing programs (Medicare and Medicaid/SCHIP). Attention also will be given
to disparities in access to care, the role of pharmaceuticals in health care
and the pricing and regulation of the pharmaceutical industry, the quality of
care, and the drivers of cost growth. The course will draw on lectures by the
faculty and national expert “guests”, on assigned readings, and on in-class
discussions. Students are expected to actively participate in the discussion.
Literature from economics, political science, medical sociology, and ethics
will be referenced throughout the course; however, no disciplinary background
is assumed, nor is any special familiarity with the field of health care
required.