Health Economics : some stylized facts

Abstract

The study of the stylized facts of economic growth has allowed an advance of this field of economic analysis in its empirical and theorical works. Today, Health Economics is faced with new requirements of society, i.e. better care at a sustainable cost. Furthermore, since the problems linked with health care system and with the health status are more and more connected with the economic sphere, a global approach of Health Economics proves necessary. Prior to the development of such an approach, some thorough knowledge of the related facts is essential. This paper presents a first synthesis of what is commonly referred as the sytilized facts of health economics, and suggests some research tracks, little exploited so far.Stylized facts, economic growth, health care expenditure, health status, health care system.