Health Care Policy

This course focuses on national, state and local government efforts to reform the health care system in the United States as a response to the unresolved issues of access, cost and quality. We will spend time considering the unique nature of the health policy domain, followed by an overview of the characteristics of the health care system and some of its systemic problems. We will then spotlight the Affordable Care Act signed by President Obama and the dramatic changes that have been made to this law. The course will conclude with consideration of ethics in health care policy and a close look at the changing nature of Medicare and Medicaid over time. Offered annually.