HPA 58Understanding Health Insurance

3 credits · Health Policy and Administration · Penn State

Health insurance is important for maintaining health and wellness across the lifespan, yet health insurance in the United States is incredibly complex. This course equips students with key health literacy skills enabling them to make informed decisions about health insurance coverage and care choices. Students learn health insurance terminology and concepts as well as study primary mechanisms for obtaining coverage (public and private). The challenges associated with choosing and using health insurance as well as how to maximize the value of one's health insurance are explored. Students study who makes up the un- and underinsured populations and how a lack of (adequate) insurance impacts access to care and health. Throughout the course students' complete practical activities that mirror real-life scenarios and decisions.