309.670.01 COMPARATIVE HEALTH INSURANCE

Reviews the organization and financing of health systems in middle and high-income countries – focusing on population coverage, in terms of both how different groups are covered and the benefits package provided. Begins with a conceptual framework of financing flows in the health sector, and proceeds to identify a series of topics and case studies as the subject of specific lectures. Explores in depth the principal models for population coverage – including national health insurance, national health service, social insurance, private insurance, and mixed hybrid models. Provides case studies of health insurance coverage in specific countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Chile – with lessons drawn for transitional countries interested in expanding health insurance coverage.

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to (1) Describe the financing flows underpinning access to and delivery of health care services; (2) List the differences in financing and coverage of health care services among countries at different levels of income and development; 3) Discuss the appropriate role of government in the health sector, and the options for coordinating financing and coverage between the public and private sectors; (4) Analyze options in a variety of countries and settings and make informed recommendations for how countries could reform their health insurance and coverage.