A model for primary care delivery to a widely dispersed medically indigent population
Article Abstract:
A growing number of people in this country have no health insurance and are not eligible for Medicaid. Low-income and part-time workers and their families are particularly vulnerable to this problem. The Chicago (Illinois) Community Trust sought to address this problem and to help residents obtain health coverage. The Access to Care program was designed to provide care for the medically indigent who were located in all parts of Cook County. The county agreed to pay local physicians a set amount per patient per year for the provision of routine care. Basic diagnostic and pharmaceutical services were also included. A model of the program was implemented in two areas of the county. The model project has confirmed some beliefs about the population expected to enroll in the program and has dispelled others. Minority groups, as expected, were represented to a greater extent in the program than in the population as a whole. Surprisingly, more than half the participants were children and most came from families where the head of the household was employed. Projected annual visits per person in the program were estimated to be 1.2 per year and this has been borne out. Program costs have actually been lower than anticipated. The major medical problems encountered by this group are similar to those seen in the general population. The success of this program has shown that a local problem can be taken care of locally. Physicians involved in the project approve of the approach. This program provides a vital source of primary health care to those in need. It is cost-effective and allows the public, private, and medical sectors of the community to be involved in solving this problem. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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Changes in financial burdens for health care: National estimates for the population younger than 65 years, 1996 to 2003
Article Abstract:
Data from a national sample of US individuals younger than 65 years were used to calculate financial burden as a function of tax-adjusted family income in 1996 and 2003, in order to estimate the number and characteristics of US individuals faced with very high financial burdens for health care. Patients at greatest risk of health-related financial burdens were identified, and the high costs associated with nongroup health insurance policies were highlighted.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2006
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