5 credits

This course serves as an introduction to major health policy issues and examines the role of government in the health care system. The course will focus on the role of policy analysis in the formation and implementation of national and local health policy and the policy implications of how government pays for care. The role of the legal system with respect to adverse medical outcomes, economic rights, and individual rights is discussed. Proposals for health policy reform at the national and local level will be examined including potential reforms of Medicare and Medicaid. An overview of health program analysis and evaluation will also be discussed.