Ann Arbor, Michigan – About 60 individuals gathered at Robertson Auditorium in the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan to listen to Amy Finkelstein discuss disparities within the American health care system and her book, “We’ve Got You Covered: Rebooting American Health Care.” Finkelstein, an economics Ph.D. holder and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, highlighted the policy issues contributing to the lack of health care coverage for nearly 30 million Americans. The event was organized by the Public Finance Seminar, Department of Economics, and Ross School of Business.
Finkelstein, known for her interest in the intersection of health care and economics, believes in improving basic health care coverage for all Americans without additional taxpayer funds. During the talk, business professor Sarah Miller engaged Finkelstein in a discussion on universal health care coverage, emphasizing the unique position of the United States in not providing such coverage to all citizens and residents.
In response to Miller’s question about universal health care coverage, Finkelstein outlined her goals and vision for the future of U.S. health care, drawing from her book. She emphasized the importance of establishing common goals before delving into solutions, advocating for a social contract that ensures access to essential medical care for all individuals regardless of their resources.
Reflecting on historical taxpayer advocacy for health care reform, Finkelstein highlighted the necessity of addressing gaps in current health care policies to provide adequate care for those in need. Attendees, including LSA junior Mouhamadou Ndiaye, found Finkelstein’s insights on health economics and her emphasis on eliminating cost sharing particularly impactful.
Ndiaye praised Finkelstein’s influence in health economics and the nuanced solutions presented in her book. He emphasized the complexity of designing effective health coverage and the significance of understanding how economic principles apply in real-world scenarios. Finkelstein’s emphasis on eliminating cost sharing resonated with Ndiaye, challenging him to reconsider conventional approaches to addressing health care challenges.
Overall, the event featuring Amy Finkelstein sparked discussions on the intersection of health care and economics, underscoring the ongoing need for reforms to ensure universal access to quality medical care for all Americans.