The New Medical Assistance Program

Abstract

W E NEED ONLY to scan our daily papers to call to mind new and dramatic evidence that the poor do not as yet receive the comprehensive health care services which our society holds as essential. I't is too simple an explanation to slay that the inability t,o pay for care alone account's for the long neglect of the health problems of the poor, but this inability has been a major barrier. The 1965 amendments to the Social Security Act have gone far to remove it. Under the Medicare provisions of the act (title XVIII),there is no reason why virtually every person over 65 cannot get the biasic care provided through the hospital insurance and voluntary medical insurance programs of the Social Security system. Under the medical assistance provisions (title XIX), not only can the deductibles and voluntary insurance premiums be paid for needy older people, but comprehensive medical care can be financed for needy people in all age groups. T'lhis program is administered by the Bureau of Family Services in the Welfare Administration.