How much responsibility for providing health care to the poor should be devolved from the federal government to the states? Any answer to this critical policy question requires a careful assessment of the Medicaid program. Drawing on the insights of leading scholars and top state health care officials, this volume analyzes the policy and management implications of various options for Medicaid devolution. Proponents of devolution typically express confidence that states can meet the challenges it will pose for them. But, as this book shows, the degree to which states have the capacity and commitment to use enhanced discretion to sustain or improve health care for the poor remains an open question. Their failure to attend to issues of politics, implementation, and management could lead to disappointment. Chapters focus on such topics as Medicaid financing, benefits and beneficiaries, long-term care, managed care, safety net providers, and the appropriate division of labor between the federal government and the states. The contributors are Donald Boyd, Center for the Study of the States; Lawrence D. Brown, Columbia University; James R. Fossett, Rockefeller College; Richard P. Nathan, Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government, State University of New York, Albany; Michael Sparer, Columbia University; James Tallon, United Hospital Fund; and Joshua M. Weiner, the Urban Institute.

Compares Minnesota's Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing home services with rates charged in neighboring states. Describes the nursing home industry & Medicaid reimbursement system in each state, & compares the Medicaid reimbursement rates in each state. Discusses rate equalization, examines the allowable costs reported by nursing home providers in each state, focuses on quality of care & the characteristics of nursing home residents, discusses the effect of reimbursement limits & incentive payments on nursing home rates, & examines Minnesota's nursing homes by geographic groups. Charts & tables.

This is the textbook of choice for an overview of the US health care system. The contributors address emergent and recurring issues -- such as national and local health care reform, primary prevention, Healthy People 2000, alternative medicine, multicultural issues, hospital organization, OBRA, DSM-IV, ethics, physician-assisted suicide -- with a complete public health and health policy perspective. The sixth edition is fully updated, comprehensive, and classroom user-friendly. Each chapter now includes learning objectives, a topical outline, a list of key terms, and mini-case studies for further discussion.

Comprehensive multidisciplinary encyclopedia dealing with aging processes and older adults. Intended for "the educated inquirer who needs a brief authoritative introduction to key topics and issues in aging." Signed entries contain cross references. Contains lengthy bibliography. General index.