Introduction to Health Economics Periodic Assignment
Answer the following question using the economic concepts that you have learned in this and other economics courses. You can use whatever sources you find helpful, but do not discuss the assignment with any student. Do not give your own personal opinion regarding the answer. Answers for the assignment (less any graphs, tables, footnotes, or references) should be no longer than 400 words.
Several health policy wonks - and employers - have advocated charging higher health insurance premiums (or deductibles or co-pays) to those individuals whose "lifestyle choices" (e.g., smoking, drinking, overeating, drug abuse) raise their expected health costs. Would such a proposal be superior to how health insurance premiums in the US traditionally have been set?