This course will explore the history, structure and politics around health insurance in the U.S. The course will include policy analyses of health insurance with a focus on the underlying policy, political and philosophical issues related surrounding the financing reform debate in private health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. In addition, the course will provide an overview of the basic features of private health insurance: from rating and underwriting practices, to operational challenges and requirements, to cost and quality controls. Some comparison will also be provided to international systems as a means for better understanding the unique aspects of the American system. Download Coursemart Audio.(link is external)
Taught by Marianne Udow-Phillips, the Executive Director of the Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT) at the University of Michigan. CHRT is an independent 501(c)(3) impact organization with a mission to advance evidence-based care delivery, improve population health, and expand access to care.
Before coming to CHRT, Marianne served as director of the Michigan Department of Human Services from 2004 to 2007, appointed by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. Marianne came to state service from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM), where she served in a number of leadership roles for over 20 years, most recently as senior vice president of Health Care Products and Provider Services, with responsibility for the BCBSM social mission, health policy, data analysis, and care and network management programs for the traditional and PPO products. She also served as senior vice president and vice president of Plans and Operations for Mercy Alternative and Care Choices. Marianne holds a master’s degree in Health Services Administration from the U-M School of Public Health; she is a lecturer of public health at the U-M School of Public Health.
In addition to her long-standing commitment to improving the quality and affordability of health care, Marianne is a passionate advocate for improving the lives of the poor with a special emphasis on children, including a focus on early childhood development. She has served on many boards and commissions such as the HighScope Educational Research Foundation, Dialogue Direct, Freedom from Hunger and Early Childhood Investment Corporation. Among others, her current non-profit board involvement includes the Grameen Foundation, University of Michigan Health System Board, Arbor Research, the U-M School of Public HealthDean’s Advisory Board, the U-M Depression Center’s National Advisory Board, the Michigan Women’s Foundation Emeritus Board and the Arboretum Ventures Advisory Board.
Marianne has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Anti-Defamation League’s “Women of Achievement Award”; Crain’s Detroit Business top 100 “Most Influential Women” in 2002, 2007 and 2016; Wayne State College of Nursing’s “2003 Lifeline Award”; Girl Scouts of Huron Valley Council’s “2006 Women of Distinction Award”; Michigan Business and Professional Association’s “2006 Women & Leadership in the Workplace Award”; Michigan Fatherhood Coalition’s “2007 Child Advocate Award”; Michigan Women’s Foundation’s “2007 Women of Achievement and Courage Award”; and Michigan’s Children’s 2008 “Heroes” award. Ambassador Magazine named her as one of its 2011 “Ambassadors of the Year,” and Crain’s Detroit Business named her a Woman in Business “Game-Changer” in 2012.