Seminar, three hours. Limited to juniors/seniors. Contemporary issues in healthcare financing and delivery and historical perspective on these issues. Role of government in healthcare and ways controversy about this role continues to shape and constrain public policy in health. Major public programs, notably Medicare and Medicaid, and their relationship to issues of access and cost for diverse vulnerable populations. Various public and private approaches to healthcare reform and ways of thinking about their predicted impact, cost, and political feasibility. Issues in care of persons with chronic illness and debate about public and private approaches to long-term care reform. Social work roles in healthcare policy and practice. P/NP or letter grading.