For this week’s Discussion, you examined how personal choices reflect economic principles. You will now begin to consider how economic principles inform choices on a larger scale. For instance, economic concepts often drive managerial decision making in health care organizations. In addition, health policy—which will be explored in greater depth later in this course—also serves significant purposes for health care delivery. To prepare for this Application: Review the economic principles presented in the Learning Resources. Consider how you and your colleagues applied these concepts in the Discussion. What makes the economics of health and health care unique, and more complex, in comparison with economics in general? Review the scenarios and principles presented in “Health Reform 101: What It Means to You and to the American People.” As you do so, think about the economic concerns that have informed health policy. How might health reform, as described in the Learning Resources, influence choices made by individuals and organizations related to health and health care? Next, reflect on your current and/or future professional role as you consider the following questions: How might an understanding of health economics be of value to you? Why is it important to consider the complexities of health and health care when examining economic principles? In what ways could learning about policy or government involvement in health care financing and delivery be beneficial for you? What questions, if any, have arisen for you about the relationship between economics and policy? To complete this Application, write a 2- to 3-page paper that addresses the following: What is the value of understanding the discipline of health economics? Why is it important to consider the complex nature of health and health care when examining the economic principles related to health care delivery? What are some of the potential benefits of learning about health policy or government involvement in health care financing and delivery? What questions do you have at the outset of this course about the relationship between economics and policy, as well as how they influence health care delivery? Your written assignment must follow APA guidelines.
