The Health Economics Program conducts research on the critical issues surrounding the U.S. health system's spending and outcomes. The U.S. spends over $4 trillion annually on health, yet faces suboptimal health outcomes, including lower life expectancy and higher rates of maternal and infant mortality and obesity compared to other developed nations. Rising medical costs are unsustainable for governments, businesses, and families, while access to affordable care remains a major challenge, particularly in Texas, which has the nation’s largest number of uninsured residents.
The program supports research aimed at transforming the U.S. health system by addressing key areas such as access, quality, costs, and health outcomes. Leveraging the unique proximity of Rice University to the Texas Medical Center (the nation’s largest medical complex), the program brings together expertise to identify evidence-based policies that can improve the efficiency and equity of the health system.
For more information:
Chelsey Truss
Program Coordinator
Health Economics
Phone: (713) 348-2735
E-mail: [email protected]
