In: Economics
Now, suppose that all consumers have health insurance. Health insurance allows consumers to see the doctor at half price (ie- there is 50% coinsurance
Suppose that the market for doctor
visits can be characterized by the following supply and demand
equations: Q = 300 - P Q = 2P |
10.9. |
Problem Set #5 - Part II - 10.9 (I) What is the total cost to the insurance company? |
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Demand Equation: Qd = 300 - P ...........(1)
Supply Equation: Qs = 2P ...........(2)
50% coinsurance can be interpreted as that the price for the consumer has decreased by 50%
Therefore new demand equation : Qd1 = 300 - 0.5P ........(3)
Solving equation (2) and (3)
2P = 300 - 0.5P
Therefore P = $120
Q=2*120 = 240
Total Revenue received by Doctors = 240 * 120 = $28800
Out of $28800, 50% will be paid by consumers and remaining 50% will be paid by insurance company
Therefore, the cost to the insurance company = 0.5 * 28800 = $14400