This course gives students an overview of health policy mechanisms (legislative, regulatory, and private) that shape the way health care is delivered in the U.S. The course will show how policy translates into practice in the context of insurance coverage, private commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. The course will challenge students to consider health policy issues of the future such as national health insurance, shortages of medical care professionals and facilities and the effective use of resources in a resource-short environment.