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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.

Health Economics and Evaluation Research (HEER) Program

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
Director, Health Economics and Evaluation Research Program

Featured HEER Program projects include:

Spotlight

doctor writing notes with a prescription bottle on the desk
Event
Improving Off-Label Policy Through the Lens of Trazodone Usage and Spending in the U.S.
August 13, 2025
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-Funded Health Centers Reduce Health Care Expenditures of California Medicaid Managed Care Beneficiaries with Complex Needs
Publications
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-Funded Health Centers Reduce Health Care Expenditures of California Medicaid Managed Care Beneficiaries with Complex Needs
Illustrating How Health Policy May Perpetuate Coverage and Access Disparities for Undocumented Immigrants
Publications
Illustrating How Health Policy May Perpetuate Coverage and Access Disparities for Undocumented Immigrants
Honorees holding their awards at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research's 30th anniversary gala. Dr. Efrain Talamantes, Sherry M. Hirota, Sunghee Lee, Shana Charles, Alex Ortega, Jeffrey Reynoso, Sue Holtby, Robert Otto Valdez, Ninez A. Ponce, Dr. Tomás Aragón, Maria-Elena De Trinidad Young, Dr. Linette T. Scott, Susan Demarois, Usha Lee Mcfarling, Louise McCarthy, Delight Satter, and Alex Sripipatana.
Blog
UCLA Center for Health Policy Research celebrates three decades of advancing health equity
Collaboration Strategies for Bridging Health, Behavioral Health, and Social Services in California's Medi-Cal Whole Person Care Pilot Program
Publications
Collaboration Strategies for Bridging Health, Behavioral Health, and Social Services in California's Medi-Cal Whole Person Care Pilot Program
Enhancing the Diversity and Productivity of Scientists in Aging Research: Contributions of the Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research, 2018–2023
Publications
Enhancing the Diversity and Productivity of Scientists in Aging Research: Contributions of the Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research, 2018–2023
Health Insurance Might be More Beneficial to Health than Average Effects Suggest
Publications
Health Insurance Might be More Beneficial to Health than Average Effects Suggest
Photo of Books
Publications
All 2.37 Million Californians in the Individual Market Will Face Higher Premiums if Congress Does Not Act by 2025
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