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Chapter 5: Q 1 (page 118)
How does the jump in measles cases since 2000 illustrate the positive externality associated with measles vaccinations? Explain briefly.
The measles vaccination reduced the spread of the disease.
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Suppose that the U.S. government determines that cigarette smoking creates social costs not reflected in the current market price and equilibrium quantity of cigarettes. A study has recommended that the government can correct the externality effect of cigarette consumption by paying farmers not to plant tobacco used to manufacture cigarettes. It also recommends raising the funds to make these payments by increasing taxes on cigarettes. Assuming that the government is correct that cigarette smoking creates external costs, evaluate whether the study’s recommended policies might help correct this negative externality.
Scans of internal organs using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices are often covered by subsidized health insurance programs such as Medicare. Consider the following table illustrating hypothetical quantities of individual MRI testing procedures demanded and supplied at various prices, and then answer the questions that follow.
| Price | Quantity Demanded | Quantity Supplied |
| \(100 | 100,000 | 40,000 |
| \)300 | 90,000 | 60,000 |
| \(500 | 80,000 | 80,000 |
| \)700 | 70,000 | 100,000 |
| \(900 | 60,000 | 120,000 |
(a) In the absence of a government-subsidized health plan, what is the equilibrium price of MRI tests? What is the amount of society’s total spending on MRI tests?
(b) Suppose that the government establishes a health plan guaranteeing that all qualified participants can purchase MRI tests at an effective price (that is, out-of-pocket cost) to the individual of \)100 per test. How many MRI tests will people consume?
(c) What is the per-unit price that induces producers to provide the amount of MRI tests demanded at the government-guaranteed price of $100? What is society’s total spending on MRI tests?
(d) Under the government’s coverage of MRI tests, what is the per-unit subsidy it provides? What is the total subsidy that the government pays to support MRI testing at its guaranteed price?
Draw a diagram of this nation’s market for automobiles, which are a substitute for buses. Explain how the government policy you discussed in part (b) of Problem 5-5 is likely to affect the market price and equilibrium quantity in the country’s auto market. How are auto consumers affected by this policy to attain the spillover benefits of bus transit?
Many economists suggest that our nation's legal system is an example of a public good. Does the legal system satisfy the key properties of public good? Explain your reasoning.
A government agency is contemplating launching an effort to expand the scope of its activities. One rationale for doing so is that another government agency might make the same effort and, if successful, receive larger budget allocations in future years. Another rationale for expanding the agency’s activities is that this will make the jobs of its workers more interesting, which may help the government agency attract better-qualified employees. Nevertheless, to broaden its legal mandate, the agency will have to convince more than half of the House of Representatives and the Senate to approve a formal proposal to expand its activities. In addition, to expand its activities, the agency must have the authority to force private companies it does not currently regulate to be officially licensed by agency personnel. Identify which aspects of this problem are similar to those faced by firms that operate in private markets and which aspects are specific to the public sector.
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