Washington DC Residential on Health Care Policy and Politics

Washington DC Residential on Health Care Policy and Politics --- Washington DC Residential on Health Care Policy and Politics ? Although the U.S. has the most market-oriented health care system in the world, government involvement in health care is pervasive. The Federal Medicare program is the single largest purchaser of health care in the U.S., accounting for roughly one-fifth of total health spending. Reimbursement policies adopted by Medicare and other public programs have fundamental effects on the incentives faced by health care providers and suppliers. The Federal governments and the states have long played critical roles in regulating private health insurance markets and supporting private coverage with large tax subsidies. The passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 significantly increases the involvement of the government in health insurance markets. Federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration also shape the development and diffusion of health technology. In light of the extensive and important role that government plays in health care, it is important for students who are interested in a career in health care to understand key health care policy issues, as well as the institutional and political context in which these policies are crafted. The goal of this course is to provide a deep and nuanced introduction to these issues.