This course traces the evolution of the U.S. health care delivery system over the last century with a focus on the structure and function of the contemporary managed care system. The course examines a wide range of factors (sociocultural, political, economic, legal and technical) which have impacted the evolution of the current system. Economic factors related to the delivery of health care services are extensively covered. Comparative health care systems are examined. The impact of the changing demographics of the U.S. population on the design and delivery of health care is reviewed.