This course in health economics introduces the tools of microeconomics to analyze various issues in health and healthcare. The first half of the course focuses on patient demand, and the second half focuses on provider supply. Topics covered in the former include the demand for health and healthcare, the demand for insurance, externalities associated with certain health behaviors, cost-effectiveness analyses, and health equity considerations. Topics covered in the latter half of the course include the role of nonprofits, provider agency, provider competition versus concentration, insurer behavior, and the effects of government regulation of insurance.
Instructor Approval Required. Contact Instructor for permission then register through Webcat.
Prerequisite(s): HMP 401
Only listed classes in section: Junior, Senior
Majors not allowed in section: EXT:HLTH MGT PO, HLTH MGT & POL, HMP:PUB HEALTH
Additional Course Details:
Course Overview: This HMP 642 course introduces undergraduates with no prior coursework in microeconomics to the field of health economics by covering issues related both to the demand for health, healthcare, and insurance, and to provider supply of healthcare services and insurance. The material is presented in a series of in-person lectures. Twelve short written assignments and two exams will assess student understanding of the material.
Note: Students who have already taken a course in Microeconomics can enroll in ECON 620, Intermediate Health Economics.