Person:

Botta, Michael David

This dissertation consists of three papers, two quantitative and one mixed-methods. Paper 1 uses cross-sectional and logistic regression analyses of survey data to assess Americans' opinion on the use of cost effectiveness research (CER) in government health coverage decisions, and to examine the factors predicting approval or disapproval of specific decisions. I use vignettes drawn from real international decisions to assess opinions. I find that opposition to a CER agency is widespread, with partisan affiliations playing a significant role. In general, Republicans are more likely to oppose a government agency playing a role in cost effectiveness determinations. With regards to specific examples, Americans hold even greater opposition, with no significant differences by political affiliations.