The United States Healthcare System: An Economic Analysis of it's Components
Open Access
Author:
Krill, Joshua
Area of Honors:
Economics
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Edward James Green, Thesis Supervisor Edward James Green, Thesis Supervisor David Shapiro, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
healthcare economics regression cost technology insurance life expectancy
Abstract:
This thesis models two aspects of the United States healthcare system, cost and quality, using econometric regression models. The first part of the thesis is an overview and economic justification of the variables considered in the regression models in part two. The quality model uses life expectancy as a response variable, and the cost model uses health expenditures as the response variable. Therefore, the first part includes life expectancy, factors that affect life expectancy and what impact they have. Then it continues on to briefly explain how technology, risky behaviors, and the model of health insurance affect the cost of the healthcare system. The final part is the regression models, with an interpretation of the results, and concluding remarks. According to the models, infant mortality and income are major predictors of life expectancy, and obesity, technology, and income are major predictors of cost. Any attempt at reform must address these factors.