IGPA Conference - Beyond Health Insurance: Public Policy to Improve Health

While much of the health policy debate in the United States has centered on the availability of insurance coverage, the link between insurance and health is weak. Insurance alone is unlikely to significantly improve health or narrow the health disparities within the population and many of the major causes of poor health such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity aren’t affected by health insurance. This conference presented important research that goes beyond insurance to identify policies that improve health. Sessions focused on reducing racial and ethnic health disparities, preventing disease and promoting good health, developing and regulating pharmaceuticals and consumer information.