Event Details
Becker-Posner “Blog” Luncheon Discussion.
Join fellow Booth alumni for a highly interactive lunch discussion of current issues in economics, finance, and public policy, based on the weekly online commentary published by Professors Gary Becker and Richard Posner on their blog at (www.becker-posner-blog.com).
The topics for December discussion will focus on healthcare insurance, specifically the Swiss model, and also on views of Booth professors Cochrane & Thaler on healthcare reform.
The Swiss healthcare system has been quoted numerous times as a viable model for the United States. The Swiss employers get no tax benefits for providing healthcare, a large majority of the Swiss purchase their own insurance (unlike in the US where a majority enjoy employer provided insurance), and finally, a ‘public option’, something a large number of congressmen and senators have long opposed, does not exist.
Is this the right option for the US ? What are the implications of such a system ? Come discuss these and the other alternatives with fellow Booth Alumni.
In addition to the usual Becker-Posner entries, the readings for the week include one each by Profs. Cochrane and Thaler:
1. Is the Swiss Health Care System a Good Model for US? Becker
2. Should the Swiss Health Care System Be Our Model?--Posner
3. A Public Option Isn’t a Curse, or a Cure - Thaler
4. Premium Increase Insurance Solves Much of Health care Dilemma - Cochrane
The meeting format is based on our highly-successful Friday morning strategic management discussions where participants are invited to read a short selection of readings and then contribute to a one-hour facilitated discussion on the selected topic. Registration for these Chicago loop (LaSalle Street) discussions is limited to twenty people so that everyone has ample opportunity to participate in the conversation. The registration fee includes a box lunch.
Note: These meetings operate much like a book club and will not feature scheduled speakers. We are discussing WRITTEN COMMENTARY by professors Becker and Posner. They will NOT be physically present at these sessions, and have neither endorsed nor discouraged these meetings.
$15 - Box lunches will be provided
(Note: no refunds)