Cost-effectiveness analyses, when combined with epidemiological research, can assist public health professionals in identifying the highest health priorities. As you have explored, these comprehensive analyses also assist in highlighting the economical and epidemiological impacts of current and potential public health interventions.

Consider for example, cost-effectiveness findings on vaccinations. In 2006, the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 62 million doses of mandated vaccines cost the U.S. government approximately $1.7 billion. Although this seems expensive at the outset, the CDC also found these vaccinations to result in an annual cost savings of $10 billion in direct medical costs and more than $40 billion in indirect costs. Most importantly, the vaccines prevented more than 14 million cases of disease and more than 33,500 deaths (Department of Health and Human Services, 2007). Given the long-term savings and lives saved, it is easy to understand why money is allocated each year toward the vaccination of children.

In this Assignment, you continue to investigate the impact of economics on public health issues. Specifically, you conduct a case study analysis from the discipline of economics to examine the direct and indirect costs and health outcomes related to one of the following:

• State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and children with special health care needs
• Medical readmissions and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)

To prepare for this case study analysis, review the case studies presented in this week’s Learning Resources and select one to further investigate for your case study analysis. Then, conduct research to locate at least three scholarly, peer-reviewed resources from the Walden Library that will further support your case study analysis.

By Day 7 of this week, submit a 2-page case study analysis that synthesizes the following:

• Title page and Table of Contents
• Write the problem statement for the public health issue identified in the case study.
• In one paragraph, provide background to the public health issue identified in the case study.
• In one paragraph, overview current governmental policy associated with this public health issue.
• From the perspective of the economics discipline, explain the following:
  • The direct and indirect costs that impact this public health issue or a specific intervention for this issue.
  • A study analysis (cost-effectiveness or cost-benefit) that indicates improvements in health outcomes and in economic value.
• In one paragraph, describe intervention(s) currently in place to address this public health issue.
• In one paragraph, propose an alternative intervention to address this public health issue.
• In one paragraph, conclude your analysis by summarizing the key points and takeaways.
• APA reference page.