Health Care Policy and Economics

  • HealthXcelerate
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Group Enrollment Option A program that is a popular choice for organizations and institutions to purchase in bulk.

Examine how health policy is determined and implemented in the U.S. by understanding its effects at the national and state levels, and explore how governments carry out these policies, how stakeholders across the health care system engage with them, and how they influence cost-effectiveness, equity, and access.

  • Online; Self-Paced

Enroll and gain access to course materials to complete at your own pace.

$495

Explore options to bundle courses and save.

Certificate

Earn a short course certificate of completion when you finish all coursework within 8 weeks.

3-4 Hours

Most people can expect to complete short courses in 3-4 hours.

On This Page

Overview

In Health Care Policy and Economics, led by David Cutler, PhD, you will examine how health policy is determined and implemented in the U.S. and understand its effects at the national and state levels.

In this course, you will discover how the government implements policies, how stakeholders in the health care system interact with them, and how they impact cost-effectiveness, equity, and access. This course also investigates the funding mechanisms for health policy, the trade-offs necessary for different policies, and reform efforts. 

Learning Objectives

  • Describe how the mechanisms of insurance coverage and government policies affect access to care in the U.S. and abroad.
  • Analyze the relationship between health care resource allocation and health care expenditures in the U.S.
  • Describe the major regulating agencies in health care, including their role in approvals, coverage, and impact on economic activity.  
  • Explain the goals of competition in health care and the role of government agencies in ensuring just practices. 
  • Compare approaches to health policy around the globe.

Who Should Participate

Health care professionals throughout the industry seeking better understanding of the health care system

About the Course

HealthXcelerate courses offer a foundational, 360‑degree view of the health care ecosystem, drawing on the expertise of Harvard Medical School faculty and industry leaders. With a focus on the patient experience, the curriculum explores how the U.S. system compares with those of other countries, how clinical care connects to the broader health care industry, and how patients navigate and influence the system. Learners who complete HealthXcelerate courses build fluency and credibility in communicating key issues, critically assessing barriers to quality and access, and identifying opportunities for leadership and innovation.

Who Should Enroll

This program will benefit industry and clinical leaders across the health care ecosystem; research and innovation managers with increasing global responsibility; entrepreneurs and consultants; business and technology professionals who work closely with health care organizations; and those transitioning into the health care space. 

Bundle Pricing

Are you ready to elevate your educational journey and maximize the investment in your future?

You can bundle up to five courses. Bundle discounts apply to all courses selected. A bundle can consist of courses in the same upcoming enrollment period or the following enrollment period.

Two-course bundle: 25% discount
Three-course bundle: 30% discount
Four-course bundle: 35% discount
Five-course bundle: 40% discount

View all bundle-eligible programs.

Faculty Leads

Each course within the HealthXcelerate program features Harvard Medical School faculty and leading experts in the field.

HealthXcelerate is an excellent opportunity to learn more about all aspects of the U.S. health care system. The flexible course framework makes it easier to integrate into my busy work days than other programs.

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