section 1. Introduction : setting the context -- section 2. Functional description of the U.S. health and medical care system -- section 3. Political and economic values and health care financing -- section 4. Health care reform in the United States : targeted programs and consequences.

“Health, as we all know, is by far the biggest part of the budget. And for years it has also been the fastest growing…. This government has reduced healthcare administration costs to below the national average, and has cut the rate of growth of health spending. That is no small feat….”...

This report reviews the current provider payment arrangements and policies of the Philippines, and the extent to which they have contributed to the achievement of the HFS goals. It focuses on the pillars of the HFS that center on provider payment issues, including what is paid for and by whom...

A strong health financing system will be an important priority as Bangladesh seeks to meet theexpectations of its population and embrace its future as a middle-income country. The objective of this report is to present policymakers with a foundation for an informed discussionabout government...

How can we measure the performance of different health systems, and how can we use such information to support on-going health systems improvement? Those are the central questions addressed in this volume. Health policy makers have a growing interest in finding ways of encouraging health systems...

How has government healthcare spending prepared countries for tackling the COVID19 pandemic? Arguably, spending is the primary policy tool of governments in providing effective health. We argue that the effectiveness of spending in reducing COVID deaths is conditional on the existence of...