School of Economic Sciences > Extension Economics > Health Economics

Health Economics

Bidisha Mandal’s research and extension program examines public health policies and targeted health interventions that impact health care utilization and health outcomes. Particular emphasis is placed on addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including rural communities and low-income families. Her program has been funded by both internal and external sources.

Extension Mission: Developing data-driven insights and effectively communicating empirical evidence to inform policy and practice on
- Disparities in healthcare access and health outcomes
- Maternal and child health outcomes
- Healthcare needs of individuals with chronic conditions
- The intersection of economic well-being and mental health

Contributions to Washington State
- WSIPP: WSIPP is a team of multidisciplinary researchers who conduct applied policy research for the state legislature. Bidisha Mandal serves on the Board of Directors. The Board reviews and provides oversight for WSIPP’s projects. Current projects are may be viewed at: https://www.wsipp.wa.gov/CurrentProjects.
- UHCC: Senate Bill 5399 passed during the 2021 legislative session created the Universal Health Care Commission to establish a universal system of health care for all residents. Bidisha Mandal serves on the Commission. Public meetings are held once every two months. See reports and updates at: Universal Healthcare Commission reports.

Contact

Related Publications

Akers, J., Miller, J., Seignemartin, B., MacLean L., Mandal, B., Kogan, C. “Expanding access to patient care in community pharmacies for minor illnesses in Washington state (pdf)“. ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research, May 2024, 16: 233-246.
Bolkan, C., Weaver, R., Kim, E., Mandal, B. “Regional planning for aging in place: Older adults’ perceptions of needs and awareness of aging services in Washington state (pdf)“. Journal of Elder Policy, Spring 2022, 2(1): 161-192.
Mandal, B. “Medicaid’s non-emergency medical transportation: The critical role of mobility services in accessing behavioral and preventive health care (pdf)“. Final Report for the Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium, December 2021.
Mandal, B. “Avoidable emergency department visits: Differences between Texas and Washington Medicaid enrollees (pdf)“. Journal of Health and Human Services Administration, Fall 2019, 42(2): 142-166.
Neumiller, J.J., Mandal, B., Weeks, D., Bautista, E., Gates, B.J., Corbett, C.L. “Potential adverse drug events and associated costs during transition from hospital to home (pdf)“. The Senior Care Pharmacist, June 2019, 34(6): 384-392.
Mandal, B. “Chronic conditions and hospitalizations: Findings from a rural hospital (pdf)“. Washington State University Technical Bulletin, March 2019, TB62E.
Mandal, B. “The effect of rurality of residential location on health care utilization among older Medicaid enrollees (pdf)“. Presentation at the North American Regional Science Council, November 2018.
Mandal, B., Lawrence, T. “Managing the commons: How Extension facilitates local participation in the management of natural resources (pdf)“. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, September 2017, 39(3): 499-515.
Mandal, B., Brady, M., Gallardo, K.”Reactions to the employer mandate in Washington State’s labor intensive agriculture industry (pdf)“. Washington State University Technical Bulletin, September 2016, TB33.
Mandal, B., Brady, M., Gallardo, K.”Trends in health insurance and health care access in rural Washington (pdf)“. Washington State University Extension Technical Bulletin, August 2016, TB30E.
Smith, D., Mandal, B., Riddle, L.A., Kerr, S., Atterberry, K.A., Miles, C. “Exploring pulses through math, science, and nutrition activities (pdf)“. The Journal of Child Nutrition and Management, Spring 2016, 40(1).
Lawrence, T., Mandal, B. “Valuing Extension programming at the county level (pdf)“. Journal of Extension, February 2016, 54(1): Feature Article 1FEA3.
Mandal, B. “Provisions of the Affordable Care Act and Washington’s health insurance exchange (pdf)“. Washington State University Extension Factsheet, October 2013, FS121E.
Mandal, B. “Mass lay-offs and medical expenditures (pdf)“. Washington State University Extension Factsheet, March 2012, FS067E.
Wordell, D., Daratha, K., Mandal, B., Bindler, R., Butkus, S. “Changes in a middle school food environment affect food behavior and food choices (pdf)“. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, January 2012, 112(1): 137-141.
Mandal, B. “Reading food labels can improve chances of weight loss (pdf)“. Washington State University Extension Factsheet, January 2012, FS065E.
Mandal, B., Lee, S. “Hard at work: Breastfeeding changes between 1992 and 2007 (pdf)“. Northwest Public Health,Spring/Summer 2010, 27(1): 14-15.

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