Trade-offs and Policy Options — Using Insights from Economics to Inform Public Health Policy

This perspective article explores how economic principles can inform public health policy, particularly in addressing disparities highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the case of "Mr. B.," a low income home health worker with diabetes, the authors illustrate how economic models can dissect the trade offs individuals face when adopting preventive health behaviors (e.g., masking, distancing). Key factors include perceived benefits, costs (monetary, physical, opportunity, cognitive), and structural barriers (e.g., lack of paid sick leave, racial profiling risks). The analysis underscores limitations of one size fits all messaging and emphasizes policies like paid leave, eviction moratoria, and equitable resource allocation to reduce disparities. The article argues for integrating economic insights into public health to design context-sensitive, equitable interventions.

This perspective article explores how economic principles can inform public health policy, particularly in addressing disparities highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the case of "Mr. B.," a low income home health worker with diabetes, the authors illustrate how economic models can dissect the trade offs individuals face when adopting preventive health behaviors (e.g., masking, distancing). Key factors include perceived benefits, costs (monetary, physical, opportunity, cognitive), and structural barriers (e.g., lack of paid sick leave, racial profiling risks). The analysis underscores limitations of one size fits all messaging and emphasizes policies like paid leave, eviction moratoria, and equitable resource allocation to reduce disparities. The article argues for integrating economic insights into public health to design context-sensitive, equitable interventions.