Health Economics is an introductory discourse of health care in America today designed to acquaint students with a practical analysis of the prominent economic issues. It considers health care in terms of cost, affordability and historical development and assesses contributing factors to the economic health crisis, including medical technology, prescription drugs and hospital care. Addressing the magnitude of the economic crisis, as well as physician and nursing home care and managed care, coverage also includes: home and hospice care; health care planning; private health insurance; medicaid and medicare; health care fraud and abuse; national health insurance. The economics of each field are discussed in detail, with all their socio-economic and political ramifications both within and outside the health care system. This insightful and timely book will be an invaluable resource for students of any health care discipline, practicing health care physicians, economists, sociologists and health care researchers wishing to know more about the current health care crisis in the USA and what mechanisms exist to counter it.