An Introduction to the health care sector of the economy designated to provide students with: an overview of the scope of issues covered in the field; a basic analytical and empirical "tool kit" that will enable them to ask and answer questions as a health economist; and an understanding of the most important institutional features of the United States health care system. Topics include market failures in health care, demand for health, public and private insurance programs, health behaviors, and the relationship between health, income, and inequality. Prereq: ECON 926 and ECON 976 (ECON 927 recommended).