The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74233

Brian S. Ferguson, PhD, Department of Economics, University of Guelph, Stone Road, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada, 519-824-4120 ext.53538, brianfer@uoguelph.ca

The amount a country spends on health care depends both on the quantity of care its citizens use and on the price of that care. Market institutions and structure, particularly with regard to insurance, have played a significant role in determining the price of care in the United States, and thus play a significant role in explaining both why the U.S. spends so much more on care than do other countries, and why so many Americans have such limited access to care.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this sessionthe participant will understand the role insurance and technology in determining the price of health care, and through affordability, access to care.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Healthcare Costs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.