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United States Health Policy

Health care in America can be complicated. Most Americans might not fully understand the basics of the U.S. health care system or health care policies such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Featuring some of the nation’s foremost teachers and thought leaders, this course provides students with a basic and thorough understanding of the U.S. health care system focusing on access, quality of care, and costs. Students will learn how the system is structured, how care is organized, delivered, and financed, and the role of the Affordable Care Act in the health care system. Students will understand the U.S. health policy-making structure process at the federal, state, and local levels. Students who complete this course will be able to interpret current controversies around US health policy and develop informed opinions on potential future policy developments.

Please note that the content in this course was created prior to the implementation of the ACA.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

How the u.s. health care system is organized, financed, and governed
How to give examples of key system stakeholders and participants, public and private
How to describe the u.s. health care system's essential building blocks, including medicare, medicaid, private health insurance, medical care delivery, pharmaceuticals, long-term care, mental health, oral health, and public health

Interpret contemporary policy controversies pertaining to each key u.s. health care system building block
Understand the basic components of the affordable care act
Identify challenges associated with reforming the u.s. health care system

How the u.s. health care system is organized, financed, and governed
How to give examples of key system stakeholders and participants, public and private
How to describe the u.s. health care system's essential building blocks, including medicare, medicaid, private health insurance, medical care delivery, pharmaceuticals, long-term care, mental health, oral health, and public health
Interpret contemporary policy controversies pertaining to each key u.s. health care system building block
Understand the basic components of the affordable care act
Identify challenges associated with reforming the u.s. health care system

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

U.S. Health Policy and Politics: A Primer

Surveys the U.S. health care system, focusing on access, quality of care, and costs

Explains how the system is structured, how care is organized, delivered, and financed

Examines the role of the Affordable Care Act in the health care system

Provides an understanding of the U.S. health policy-making structure process at various levels

Suitable for individuals seeking a basic understanding of the U.S. health care system and policies

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Reviews summary

Engaging health policy course

According to students, this engaging course provides a good overview of United States health policy. The clear and well-organized content is suitable for learners with no prior knowledge of the subject. Learners also appreciate the engaging way in which the content is presented.

This course is suitable for learners with no prior knowledge of the subject.

"Suitable for people who do knot have prior knowledge of the subject."

This course provides a good overview of United States health policy.

The content is presented in an engaging way.

"Very intersting content and presented in an engaging way."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in United States Health Policy with these activities:

Organize and Review Course Resources

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Staying organized is paramount to academic achievement. Diligently organizing and reviewing course materials allows you to easily access and retain information, enhancing your understanding of the course content.

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Create a system for organizing notes, assignments, and other materials
Regularly review your organized materials to reinforce learning

Review the Basics of Health Care

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By reviewing the fundamental tenets of America's health care ecosystem, you can build a stronger basis upon which future learning can take form.

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Reread relevant sections of assigned textbook
Review online resources from credible sources
Attend an online webinar on health care basics

Attend office hours with professor and TAs

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Discuss course topics with instructors and clarify concepts

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Six other activities

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Understanding the Structure of the US Health Care System

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Grasping the intricacy of America's health care architecture is critical for navigating the complexities of this course. Guided tutorials offer a structured approach to gaining this knowledge.

Browse courses on Health Care Delivery

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Enroll in an online tutorial on the US health care system
Follow along with the tutorial videos and readings
Complete the practice exercises and quizzes

Summarize Key Health Care Policies

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Creating a concise summary of consequential health care policies aids in solidifying your grasp of their history and impact. This exercise strengthens your analytical and communication skills.

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Review course materials on key health care policies
Identify the main points and arguments of each policy
Write a 500-word summary that synthesizes your findings

Discuss Challenges and Reforms in the US Health Care System

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Engaging in discussions with peers allows you to explore diverse perspectives on health care challenges and potential reforms. This collaborative learning environment fosters critical thinking and problem-solving.

Browse courses on Health Care Reform

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Join an online discussion forum or study group
Participate in discussions on health care challenges and reforms
Share your own insights and perspectives

Assess US Health Policy Controversies

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Engaging in practice drills on US health policy controversies provides an opportunity to test your understanding, identify areas for improvement, and develop critical thinking skills in a controlled environment.

Browse courses on Health Care Policy

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Identify key health policy controversies from course materials
Research different perspectives on each controversy
Complete practice exercises and quizzes to assess your understanding

Attend a Health Care Policy Workshop

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Attending a health care policy workshop provides an immersive opportunity to interact with experts, engage in discussions, and gain practical insights into the complexities of health care policy.

Browse courses on Health Policy

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Research upcoming health care policy workshops
Attend a workshop that aligns with your interests
Actively participate in discussions and Q&A sessions

Tutor or Mentor Students in Health Care

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Tutoring or mentoring others in health care is an excellent way to reinforce your knowledge, develop your communication skills, and make a positive impact on the next generation of health care professionals.

Browse courses on Health Education

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Connect with organizations or schools that offer health care tutoring or mentoring
Volunteer your time to tutor or mentor students
Prepare lesson plans and activities that align with the students' needs

Career center

Learners who complete United States Health Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop policies that affect the health of the public. They work with government agencies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to identify and address healthcare issues. This course will provide Health Policy Analysts with a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. health care system, as well as the policy-making process at the federal, state, and local levels. It will also help them develop the skills needed to analyze and interpret health policy data, and to communicate their findings to policymakers and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, ensuring that they run smoothly and efficiently. They work closely with medical staff, patients, and insurance companies to provide quality care while managing costs. This course can help Healthcare Administrators develop a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its organization, financing, and governance. It will also provide them with insights into key policy controversies and challenges facing the system, which will be invaluable in their role as decision-makers.

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Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants provide advice and guidance to healthcare organizations on a variety of issues, including strategy, operations, and finance. They work with clients to identify and solve problems, and to improve the quality and efficiency of care. This course can help Healthcare Consultants develop a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its organization, financing, and governance. It will also provide them with insights into key policy controversies and challenges facing the system, which will be invaluable in their role as advisors to healthcare organizations.

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Medical Writer

Medical Writers create and edit written materials about medical and health-related topics for a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. They work with medical experts to ensure that the information they produce is accurate, clear, and engaging. This course can help Medical Writers develop a strong understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, as well as the key policy issues and controversies facing the system. It will also provide them with the skills needed to translate complex medical information into clear and concise writing.

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Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They work with communities, schools, and other organizations to raise awareness about health issues and to encourage healthy behaviors. This course can help Public Health Educators develop a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, as well as the key policy issues and controversies facing the system. It will also provide them with the skills needed to develop and evaluate effective health education programs.

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Health Insurance Agent

Health Insurance Agents help individuals and businesses find and enroll in health insurance plans that meet their needs. They work with clients to compare plans, understand their coverage options, and make informed decisions about their health insurance. This course will provide Health Insurance Agents with a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. health care system, including its organization, financing, and governance. It will also help them develop the skills needed to explain complex health insurance concepts to clients and to help them find the best plans for their needs.

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Healthcare Lobbyist

Healthcare Lobbyists represent the interests of healthcare organizations before government agencies and policymakers. They work to influence legislation and regulations that affect the healthcare industry. This course will provide Healthcare Lobbyists with a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, as well as the policy-making process at the federal, state, and local levels. It will also help them develop the skills needed to effectively advocate for their clients' interests.

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Patient Advocate

Patient Advocates assist patients with navigating the healthcare system and ensuring that they receive the best possible care. They work with patients to understand their rights, communicate with their healthcare providers, and file appeals or grievances. This course can help Patient Advocates develop a deep understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its organization, financing, and governance. It will also provide them with insights into key policy controversies and challenges facing the system, which will be invaluable in their role as advocates for patients.

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Health Care Lawyer

Health Care Lawyers specialize in legal issues related to healthcare. They work with healthcare providers, insurers, and patients to navigate the complex legal landscape of the healthcare industry. This course may be useful to Health Care Lawyers as it will provide them with a deeper understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its organization, financing, and governance. It will also help them develop the skills needed to effectively advise clients on healthcare-related legal issues.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate the social and economic challenges they face. They work with individuals, families, and communities to provide support, counseling, and advocacy. This course may be useful to Social Workers as it will provide them with a deeper understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its organization, financing, and governance. It will also help them develop the skills needed to effectively advocate for clients' access to healthcare and other social services.

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Nurse

Nurses provide direct patient care and work with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment plans. This course may be useful to Nurses as it will provide them with a deeper understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its organization, financing, and governance. It will also help them develop the skills needed to effectively advocate for patients and to work as part of a healthcare team.

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Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat patients' illnesses and injuries. They work with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement treatment plans. This course may be useful to Physicians as it will provide them with a deeper understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its organization, financing, and governance. It will also help them develop the skills needed to effectively advocate for patients and to work as part of a healthcare team.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. They work with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients are taking their medications safely and effectively. This course may be useful to Pharmacists as it will provide them with a deeper understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its organization, financing, and governance. It will also help them develop the skills needed to effectively advocate for patients and to work as part of a healthcare team.

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Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with teeth and gums. They work with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients have healthy mouths. This course may be useful to Dentists as it will provide them with a deeper understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its organization, financing, and governance. It will also help them develop the skills needed to effectively advocate for patients and to work as part of a healthcare team.

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Chiropractor

Chiropractors diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions. They use spinal adjustments and other techniques to relieve pain and improve function. This course may be useful to Chiropractors as it will provide them with a deeper understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, including its organization, financing, and governance. It will also help them develop the skills needed to effectively advocate for patients and to work as part of a healthcare team.

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Reading list

We've selected 27 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in United States Health Policy.

Which Country Has the World's Best Health Care?

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Provides a clear and concise explanation of the Affordable Care Act and its implications for the U.S. health care system. It is written by one of the architects of the ACA, which lends it a unique perspective.

United States Health Policy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Engaging health policy course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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