The treatment and control of tuberculosis in California. Propsective beneficial effects of Medicare and Medi-Cal.

Over half of all deaths from tuberculosis in California occur among elderly persons. Among the poor, prevalence is still much higher than among those in better economic circumstances. Medicare and Medi-Cal make substantial resources available but could dilute organized control efforts. Renewed professional education, cutting through fiscal intricacies, and integration of care for tuberculous persons into general medical and hospital care will maintain high standards of tuberculosis control.