ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is about cost-effectiveness analysis. It explains how cost-effectiveness analysis works, address the main ethical problems of its use, and correct some misunderstandings that often appear in discussions. The book address two problems for cost-effectiveness analysis. One of these problems is discrimination against people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. The second problem is discrimination by age. It broadens the discussion by connecting the problem of health care rationing to more general debates in ethical theory. The book broadens the discussion even further.
