SUP-578: U.S. Healthcare Industry and Regulatory Policy

The U.S. healthcare sector absorbs nearly one-fifth of GDP, encompassing a diverse set of industries with public, not-for-profit, and for-profit buyers and sellers.  Regulators have a substantial opportunity and obligation to promote efficiency and competition in these various industries.  Gaining a better understanding of firms’ strategic considerations is essential for designing optimal policies. This course will introduce participants to the key sectors comprising the healthcare industry (including insurers, pharmaceuticals, and acute and non-acute care providers) from the vantage point of the firms operating within them.  We will discuss the impact of regulation and public insurance programs on business strategies and outcomes, with an emphasis on competition policy (i.e., antitrust enforcement).  Virtually all examples will be U.S.-based.  We will discuss select developments in U.S. healthcare reform over the past 8-9 years, particularly those affecting healthcare enterprise.

Course time will be split between lectures and case discussions.  Readings must be completed before class due to the interactive case-teaching method employed.