Rashi Fein

Rashi Fein

Name	Rashi Fein
Birth name
Birth date	February 6, 1926
Birth place	Bronx, New York, USA
Death date	September 8, 2014
Death place	Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Alma mater
Occupation	Economist, Professor
Years active
Organization
Known for	Health Economics, Medicare and Medicaid
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Rashi Fein (February 6, 1926 – September 8, 2014) was a prominent American economist and professor known for his significant contributions to the field of health economics. He played a crucial role in the development of Medicare and Medicaid in the United States and was a strong advocate for universal health care.

Early Life and Education

Rashi Fein was born in the Bronx, New York, to a family of Jewish immigrants. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Columbia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947. He continued his education at The Johns Hopkins University, obtaining a Ph.D. in economics in 1952.

Career

Fein began his career as an economist at the Social Security Administration, where he worked on issues related to health insurance and social welfare. In the 1960s, he served as a senior staff member of President John F. Kennedy's Council of Economic Advisers, where he contributed to the development of policies that would eventually lead to the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid.

In 1967, Fein joined the faculty of the Harvard Medical School as a professor of medical economics. During his tenure, he became a leading voice in the field of health economics, advocating for policies that would ensure access to health care for all Americans. He was a prolific writer, authoring numerous articles and books on health policy and economics.

Contributions to Health Economics

Rashi Fein is often referred to as one of the "fathers of Medicare" due to his influential work in shaping the program. He believed in the importance of providing health care to the elderly and the poor, and his research and advocacy were instrumental in the passage of the Social Security Amendments of 1965, which established Medicare and Medicaid.

Fein's work extended beyond policy development; he was deeply involved in the academic study of health economics. He explored the economic implications of health care delivery, the role of government in health care, and the ethical dimensions of health policy.

Legacy

Rashi Fein's legacy is marked by his commitment to social justice and his belief in health care as a fundamental human right. His work has had a lasting impact on the American health care system and continues to influence health policy discussions today.

Personal Life

Fein was married to Ruth Fein, and they had three children. He was known for his humility, kindness, and dedication to his family and students.

Also see

• Health economics
• Medicare (United States)
• Medicaid
• Social Security Act
• Universal health care