Introduction to Health Economics and Policy

Healthcare systems worldwide face the critical challenge of balancing rising costs with the need for high-quality, equitable care. Understanding how economic principles apply to healthcare decision-making is essential for anyone looking to make an impact in medicine, public health, or policy. This text-based course guides you from fundamental economic concepts to the complex realities of modern health systems. You will learn to evaluate healthcare markets, analyze insurance structures, and understand how policies influence patient and provider behavior. What you'll learn: 1. Understand foundational health economic theories, including demand for health, moral hazard, and adverse selection. 2. Analyze healthcare market structures and identify common market failures, such as information asymmetry. 3. Evaluate different health insurance models and how they impact patient outcomes and system-wide costs. 4. Apply basic health technology assessment (HTA) principles to determine the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions. 5. Examine modern policy challenges, including digital health economics and equity in global resource allocation. The course begins with essential economic definitions and the unique nature of healthcare markets, then moves into practical policy applications, insurance systems, and modern evaluation methods. Designed entirely for beginners, this course requires no prior background in economics or healthcare administration. Start reading today to build a strong foundation in the economic forces shaping the future of global healthcare.