What is "population health" and why does it matter? Why are U.S. health care costs so high? How is the U.S. health system financed? What are the basic principles of health insurance? Who are the uninsured? It is critical that public health professionals be able to answer these questions and understand the basic functions that comprise the U.S. health care system. This course will help students answer these questions through an introduction to health systems and policy, including the delivery, quality and costs of health care for individuals and populations. The course will also examine the structure, processes and outcomes of health services, financing, organization, outcomes and accessibility of care.