- Docente: Rossella Verzulli
- Credits: 5
- SSD: ECON-03/A
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
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Corso:
Second cycle degree programme (LM) in
Health Economics and Management (cod. 6759)
Also valid for Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Economics and Public Policy (cod. 6758)
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from Nov 10, 2026 to Dec 15, 2026
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student is introduced to the principles of health care organization and policy in a comparative perspective. Aim of the course is to understand the evolution and contemporary state of health care systems in different OECD countries. By the end of the course, the student is able to: 1) Identify the key characteristics and components of health care systems. 2) Assess each health care systems strengths and weaknesses 3) Explain the recent health care reform efforts in OECD countries
Course contents
The evolutionary path of OECD health care systems.
Main models of health care funding, including the differences between tax based models, SHI-models and models based on voluntary insurance.
Models of health care provision.
Health care reforms over the last decades.
Health policy and politics.
Readings/Bibliography
Toth, F. (2021). Comparative Health Systems. A New Framework. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Additional readings will be available at the beginning of the classes.
Teaching methods
Traditional lectures and class discussion.
Assessment methods
Assessment will be based on the presentation of an assigned reading and a final written exam with open-ended questions.
The final exam counts for two thirds of your overall grade. For those students who opt out of the reading's presentation, the final grade will be based entirely on a longer version of the final written exam.
The maximum possible grade is 30 cum laude. Grades are awarded as follows:
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Below 18: Fail
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18–23: Satisfactory
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24–27: Good
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28–30: Very good
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30 cum laude: Excellent
Artificial Intelligence may be a useful tool to support independent study through additional insights, summaries, and self-assessment activities. However, during in-person examinations, the use of AI is strictly prohibited. Any such use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.
Teaching tools
Slide presentations.
Frontal lectures.
Students with specific learning disabilities (SpLDs) or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations to the students concerned. These must, in any case, be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability, also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.
Office hours
See the website of Rossella Verzulli