Demand studies in health care have provided estimates of both income and price elasticity. Estimates of income elasticity are usually above +1.0. Estimates of price elasticity typically range between -0.1 and -.75 (with hospital services at the lower end and elective services at the upper end).

What information do these estimates convey?

What does the price elasticity of demand estimates imply for government policymakers, insurance companies, and medical providers' decisions?

What does the income elasticity of demand estimates imply for government policymakers, insurance companies, and medical providers' decisions?