Health Economics and Policy In this course we will focus on the health care system of the United States. We will apply standard microeconomic tools to the problems of health and health care markets. The course provides the fundamental tools with which to understand how the health care market is different from the markets for other goods. For example, students will learn about the dominant presence of uncertainty at all levels of health care, the government's unusually large presence in the market, the pronounced difference in knowledge between doctors and patients, and the prevalence of situations where the actions of some impose costs or benefits on others (e.g., vaccinations, drug research).

Law and Economics in Healthcare This course will introduce students to the ways in which the U.S. government attempts to mitigate challenges in the market for healthcare. We will discuss how laws and regulation are used to contain healthcare costs, protect consumers from anti-competitive practices, improve access to safe and effective medical care, ensure consumer privacy and safety, and reform the payment and delivery system in the United States. We will rely on actual court and regulatory cases to understand legal frameworks, regulatory structures, and economic outcomes. Students will review the economic literature on healthcare market interventions, engage with Vermont policymakers and regulators, and participate in mock trials and simulated regulatory hearings. This course is not open to students who have completed ECON 1232.

Health Economics and Policy  In this course we will focus on the health care system of the United States. We will apply standard microeconomic tools to the problems of health and health care markets. The course provides the fundamental tools with which to understand how the health care market is different from the markets for other goods. For example, students will learn about the dominant presence of uncertainty at all levels of health care, the government's unusually large presence in the market, the pronounced difference in knowledge between doctors and patients, and the prevalence of situations where the actions of some impose costs or benefits on others (e.g., vaccinations, drug research).

Public Health Policy Public health policy is carried out in multiple sectors of society. In this course we will break down public health problems into their component parts, scrutinizing the roles that governments, health care providers, organizations, and ordinary citizens have in building a healthy (or unhealthy) society. We will examine topics such as obesity, gun violence, substance use, maternal mortality, and product toxicity to understand the extent to which public health problems have behavioral, social, regulatory, or market-based causes and solutions. Our analysis will employ systems thinking, historical trends, and regulatory frameworks. The course will be lecture-oriented with in-class discussions and exercises. Sources will include articles in peer-reviewed literature, industry reports, policy statements, and the popular press.

Health Care Law, Economics and Regulation In this course we will explore why health care is one of the most highly regulated industries in the U.S. and how government intervention impacts market outcomes. We will discuss how laws and regulation are used to contain health care costs, protect consumers from anti-competitive practices, and ensure consumer privacy and safety. We will rely on actual cases to understand legal frameworks, regulatory structures, and economic outcomes. Students may also have the opportunity to travel to Montpelier, VT to see health policy, legislation, and regulation in action. (ECON 0155 recommended but not required) (This course may be used to fulfill a 200 level elective towards the economics major requirements.)  Robin J. Lunge, JD, MHCDS is a Member of Vermont’s Green Mountain Care Board, which is charged with designing and administering health care payment and delivery system reform as well as regulating the health care industry. Previously Lunge served as Governor Shumlin’s Director of Health Care Reform for close to 6 years, coordinating health reform efforts for his administration.  She also worked as a nonpartisan staff attorney at Vermont Legislative Council for 8 sessions and provided drafting and staff support in health and human services issues to members of the Vermont Legislature.

The Economics of “Sin”: Sex, Crime, and Drugs In this course we will apply traditional microeconomic principles to non-traditional topics such as adultery, prostitution, teen pregnancy, crime and punishment, drugs and drug legalization, and gambling. We will ask the following questions throughout the course: To what extent is "sinful" behavior rational and utility-maximizing? What role does the government play in regulating "sinful" behavior and what are the consequences of these government interventions? The primary focus will be on the United States but brief comparisons will be made to "sinful" behavior and policy interventions in other countries.

Introductory Microeconomics An introduction to the analysis of such microeconomic problems as price formation (the forces behind demand and supply), market structures from competitive to oligopolistic, distribution of income, and public policy options bearing on these problems.

Social Issues and Public Policy This course examines current social issues and potential public policy remedies. We will use the tools of economics to explore important social issues such as income inequality, poverty, welfare reform, access to food, health care, housing, and education, climate change, and crime. While the text and lectures will focus on social issues at the national level, students will have the opportunity to explore social issues in Vermont through a semester-long research project.

Jessica Holmes

Reviews and ratings for Jessica Holmes at Middlebury College.Jessica Holmes teaches Health Economics & Policy, Law and Econ in Healthcare, Public Health Policy and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Jessica Holmes good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I really enjoyed this class with Prof. Holmes! The material itself was easy enough to follow, with lots of group-based work. Homework was not too bad, with a reflection based on videos she would have us watch, and a final project with a policy proposal. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a unique elective to take for the economics major. 

Prof. Holmes is the best! This class was very informative as it was based on VT policy. It also included a lot of information that is just good to know in general regarding insurance and the health industry in the USA. There were a lot of class debates and discussions which was a majority of the grade. These were pretty laid back and the information provided was very clear and everything was pretty much group work. The final project is the coolest part of this class as it asks you to propose some sort of a fix to VT policy and some students have even brought this in front of state officials to present.

The content of this course was extremely engaging and feel particularly applicable if you war looking to work in the healthcare space beyond college. There were weekly reflections that were somewhat annoying to complete each year. Overall recommend the course.