Rising public health care spending remains a concern in virtually all OECD and EU member countries. How can health care systems become more efficient in their spending? What policies will improve the performance and sustainability of health care systems? This report examines policies that may help countries better achieve the goal of improved health system efficiency and thus better value for the money. Drawing on multinational datasets and case studies, it takes a close look at a range of key challenges. These include the role of competition in health markets, the scope for improving care coordination, better pharmaceutical pricing policies, greater quality control supported by stronger information and communication technology, and increased cost sharing.