WSU Spokane Health Economist on the True Cost of Health Care

What does health care “cost?” As the political season heats up, competing proposals grab headlines, and candidates cite the costs of various programs. But defining the cost of health care isn’t as simple as measuring insurance premiums and payments to hospitals and doctors. Elements of cost calculations include opportunities lost to spend the money elsewhere, societal benefits from improvements in individual and public health, the value of unpaid caregiving and more. Melissa Ahern, a health economist and associate professor of health policy, can discuss these and other topics related to the cost of health care. Contact Ahern at ahernm@wsu.edu or 509.358.7982.

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Exhibit explores queer experience on the Palouse

An opening reception for “Higher Ground: An Exhibition of Art, Ephemera, and Form” will take place 6–8 p.m. Friday on the ground floor of the Terrell Library on the Pullman campus.

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