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Health Economics and Evaluation Research (HEER) Program

The Health Economics and Evaluation Research (HEER) Program examines the economic and financial impacts of health care policies and programs. 

A nationally recognized leader in health care program evaluations.

Led by Associate Center Director Nadereh Pourat, PhD, the HEER Program is housed at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research (CHPR). The program offers deep research and evaluation expertise and has a long and distinguished track record in conducting analysis of a broad range of efforts nationally and in California.

The Health Economics and Evaluation Research (HEER) program examines the impact of federal programs, statewide demonstrations, local initiatives, environmental disasters, and state and legislative policies. The HEER program has examined the impact of policies and programs on health insurance coverage, how health care is delivered, whether population health has been impacted, and whether cost savings are achieved. Evaluations highlight the challenges and opportunities posed and offer recommendations to promote effectiveness and sustainability of program and policies.

The HEER Program evaluations and studies provide critical information to policymakers and programs to improve public’s health.

Evaluation Studies

The HEER Program specializes in the evaluation of complex, large-scale interventions, including major California demonstration programs, such as Whole Person Care and PRIME.

Forecasting and Simulation Studies

HEER Program researchers have significant experience creating predictive models that help policymakers, advocates, program experts, public health officials, and others plan for change.
 

Economic Analysis

HEER Program staff examine utilization, costs, and cost-effectiveness of personal and public health interventions for a broad range of public and private organizations, as well as government initiatives.

The HEER Program has partnered with federal, state, and local governmental organizations to evaluate programs, initiatives, and demonstrations, and predict the outcomes of proposed policies. Our reports have been instrumental in subsequent changes in health care policy and care delivery to improve population health and reduce costs.

Nadereh Pourat, PhD

Featured HEER Program projects include:

Spotlight

Cover of Parks After Dark evaluation report, May 2024
Publications
Parks After Dark Evaluation Report, May 2024
parks after dark evaluation brief cover with little girls wearing PAD shirts and showing medals and infographic in the background
Publications
Parks After Dark Evaluation Brief, May 2024
Three children wearing brown T-shirts that read Parks After Dark
Blog
As L.A. County nighttime recreation program expands scope, success largely continues
Tres niños con camisetas de Parks After Dark
Blog
A medida que el programa de recreación nocturna del condado de Los Ángeles amplía su alcance, el éxito en gran medida continúa
Tents along the street in Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles
Publications
Evaluation of California’s Housing for a Healthy California Program, January 2024
Differences in Health Care Utilization of High-Need and High-Cost Patients of Federally Funded Health Centers Versus Other Primary Care Providers
Publications
Differences in Health Care Utilization of High-Need and High-Cost Patients of Federally Funded Health Centers Versus Other Primary Care Providers
Photo of Parks After Dark Evaluation Report
Publications
Parks After Dark Evaluation Report, July 2023
Parks After Dark
Blog
92% de los asistentes se sienten seguros en el programa de parques con larga duración del condado de Los Ángeles
Doc at work. Focused doctor in glasses write diagnosis symptoms of mature woman patient in medical case. Female family therapist interview sick elderly lady take notes fill in paper declaration form
Publications
Final Evaluation of California’s Health Homes Program (HHP)
Doc at work. Focused doctor in glasses write diagnosis symptoms of mature woman patient in medical case. Female family therapist interview sick elderly lady take notes fill in paper declaration form
Blog
Program for Medi-Cal beneficiaries with complex health needs reduced emergency visits, hospitalizations
Factors Associated with Frequent Emergency Department Visits Among Health Centre Patients Receiving Primary Care (Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice)
Publications
Factors Associated with Frequent Emergency Department Visits Among Health Centre Patients Receiving Primary Care (Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice)
California's Whole Person Care
Blog
California’s Whole Person Care improved health care for high-risk Medi-Cal patients