Biography
Vivian Ho, Ph.D., is the James A. Baker III Institute Chair in Health Economics, a professor in the Department of Economics at Rice University, and a professor in the Department of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Ho’s research examines the effects of economic incentives and regulations on the quality and costs of health care. Her research is widely published in economics, medical and health services research journals. Ho’s research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the American Cancer Society and Arnold Ventures.
Ho has served on the Board of Scientific Counselors for the National Center for Health Statistics, as well as on the NIH Health Services, Outcomes and Delivery study section. She was elected as a member of the National Academy of Medicine in 2020. Ho is also a founding board member of the American Society for Health Economists, a board member for Community Health Choice and a member of the Community Advisory Board at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Ho received her A.B. in economics from Harvard University, a graduate diploma in economics from The Australian National University and a Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University.
Contact at vho@rice.edu or 713-348-2195.
Recent Publications
More People Are Delaying Medical Care Due to Cost, Federal Reserve Finds
“Because of inflation, I think people have to make tough choices,” Vivian Ho, the James A. Baker III Institute Chair in Health Economics, said. “They have to decide, am I going to pay the rent? Am I going to buy food? Or am I going to get medical care that I could have now or later?”
Some Hospitals Struggle as Borrowing Gets More Expensive
Some hospitals are struggling to keep their doors open as borrowing costs increase. For rural hospitals that have to borrow to cover expenses, “the higher interest rates are going to be very difficult for them to manage,” said Vivan Ho, the James A. Baker III Institute Chair in Health Economics.
Why Urgent Care Centers Are Popping Up Everywhere
“It’s a reasonable solution for people with minor conditions that can’t wait for primary care providers,” said Vivan Ho, Chair in Health Economics, of the boom in urgent care centers. “When you need constant management of a chronic illness, you should not go there.”
External Publications
“Guest Commentary: Congress Should Stop Medical Consolidation Price Hikes,” The Daily News, December 1, 2023.
“Determinants of referral network size for screening colonoscopies in the Veterans Health Administration after the implementation of the MISSION Act,” National Library of Medicine, September 26, 2023.
“Nonprofit Hospitals: Profits And Cash Reserves Grow, Charity Care Does Not,” Health Affairs, June 2023.
“Cutting CHI St. Luke’s may raise Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance costs,” Houston Chronicle, December 15, 2020.
“Revisiting States’ Experience With Certificate of Need,” JAMA, November 24, 2020.
“CEOs Need to do More for COVID,” The Hill, June 22, 2020.
“Beware the Hospital Ads: Let’s Get to the Root of the Fight With Insurers [Opinion],” Houston Chronicle, February 24, 2020.
“Medicare Advantage for All,” The Hill, August 27, 2019.
“Op-ed: New Rules on Health Reimbursement Accounts Could Lower Insurance Premiums,” Houston Business Journal, August 8, 2019.
“Did Medicaid Expansion Reduce Mortality Among Patients Initiating Dialysis for Irreversible Kidney Failure?,” JAMA, December 4, 2018.
“A Simple Solution to Ending ‘Surprise’ Medical Bills: Bundled Payments,” STAT, November 2, 2018.
“Short-term Health Insurance Should Worry You Even if You Don’t Need It,” STAT, October 26, 2018.
“Expanding Medicaid Under ACA Would Avert State Health Crisis,” Houston Chronicle, June 19, 2015.
“Are Workplace Health Clinics Worth It?,” The Hill, May 21, 2015.
“On Healthcare Costs, the Sheep Are Worried About the Wrong Wolf,” The Hill, January 14, 2015.
“Is There an Economic Rationale for Socialized Medicine for Veterans?,” The Hill, November 13, 2014.
“Should I Feel Sorry for Private Health Insurers?,” The Hill, August 6, 2014.
“What’s in a Health Economist’s Toolbox for Controlling Cost Growth,” The Hill, June 30, 2014.
“Affordable Care Act is Based on Existing Insurance Structure,” Houston Chronicle, December 20, 2013.
“Using Comparative-Effectiveness Research to Improve Care,” Hospital and Health Networks, January 10, 2013.
“Texas Must Take Advantage of Medicaid Expansion,” Houston Chronicle, June 29, 2012.
“A Realistic, Pragmatic Approach to Health Care Reform,” Houston Chronicle, January 30, 2010.
“Insuring All Children Now Will Save Money in the Future,” Houston Chronicle, June 18, 2009.
Interviews