Ross-Lee B, Weiser M A
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens 45701-2979.
J Am Osteopath Assoc. 1994 Mar;94(3):233-9.
Established in 1965 to provide medical care for the impoverished, the Medicaid program has pitted state governments against the federal government, and made adversaries of the providers. The authors examine the legislative history of the program and the rapid growth of expenditures that have led states to cut benefits, tighten eligibility requirements, and slash payments to providers. The call for comprehensive healthcare reform and universal access put Medicaid at the forefront of proposed changes. The osteopathic medical profession, which already provides a quarter of the care in the program, has an opportunity to lead in innovation to promote program efficiencies, and to affirm the profession's commitment to serve vulnerable populations.
医疗补助计划于1965年设立，旨在为贫困人口提供医疗服务。该计划使州政府与联邦政府对立起来，也让医疗服务提供者成为了对手。作者们审视了该计划的立法历程以及支出的迅速增长，这些增长致使各州削减福利、收紧资格要求并大幅削减对医疗服务提供者的支付。对全面医疗改革和全民医保的呼声使医疗补助计划处于拟议变革的前沿。整骨医学专业已在该计划中提供了四分之一的医疗服务，有机会引领创新以提高计划效率，并彰显该专业服务弱势群体的承诺。
