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Dangerous Times for Medicaid

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2021

John V. Jacobi
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Extract

These are indeed dangerous times. In the name of “cost-effectiveness,” we cut back health benefits to the poor, who are more likely to be sick than the nonpoor. We miss our chance to heal. In the setting, we’re told, of “scarce resources,” we imperil the health care safety net. In the name of expedience, we miss our chance to be humane and compassionate.’

Medicaid is again - still - the subject of reform discussions in Washington and in state capitals. The program has been subject to varying, sometimes conflicting pressures since its inception. Its primary purpose has been serving the health care needs of the poor and disabled. It was structured, however, to appeal to (or at least to not alienate) private health care providers. In addition, its mix of state and federal funding and control was intended to draw in the states as partners.

Type
Independent
Information
Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics , Volume 33 , Issue 4 , Winter 2005 , pp. 834 - 843
Copyright
Copyright © American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics 2005

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