Written with the non-specialist in mind, Essentials of Health Economics, Third Edition examines the public health care system through the lens of economic theory. Through numerous examples, case studies, and profiles related to the field, students will learn the importance of health economics and its relevance to more general analysis of health policy issues. With new information on healthcare reforms faced at the state, national, and international level, new chapter on COVID-19, fresh profiles of notable economists, updated statistics, and more, the Third Edition provides a timely and accessible introduction that focuses on how to do descriptive, explanatory, and evaluative economics in a systematic way. Key Features:•New chapter on COVID-19 that provides a case study in emergency preparedness. •Expanded chapters on technology and health care workforce discuss the roles of digital health and physician extenders, respectively. •National and international comparisons provided throughout given the global nature of health and healthcare. •Newly updated chapters in health care reform in national, state, and international realms. •Updated statistics and current events in policy and economics throughout. •End-of-chapter real world case studies encourage for application of principles discussed in each chapter. •Updated and/or new notable economist profiles for students to learn about the field of health economics.