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This book offers a systematic review of major issues and trends in health care policy, including those related to physical health and disease trends, mental and behavioral health concerns, reorganizing the U.S. health system, and managed care and health care personnel. Kronenfeld addresses the problems, challenges, issues and trends in the policies that determine the role and future of health care in the United States. Also covered are special populations, such as the elderly and children, reproductive health, and issues cost, quality, and access to care.
Health care policies affect all Americans. Managed care has been a major trend in the past decade's reorganization of the U.S. health care system, yet its future is uncertain. Despite unparalleled spending and the world's most technologically sophisticated health care, measure such as life expectancy and infant mortality rates indicate that the country's health outcomes may not be the best. Mental health and behavioral health problems are major impediments to quality of life for some Americans, and roughly 17% of the population under 65 does not have insurance coverage for necessary health care services. Despite calls for a major overhaul of the U.S. health care system, incremental reform is more likely than major, comprehensive reform.
List of contents
Introduction
Physical Health and Disease Trends
Mental Health Concerns and Behavioral Health
The Reorganized U.S. Health Care System: Changing Institutions and Managed Care
Health of Children and Youth
Health of the Elderly and Long Term Care
Reproductive Health Concerns and Abortion
Costs of Health Care and Quality of Reform of the U.S. Health Care System: Issues of Access to Health Care Services and Health Care Insurance Care
Index
About the author
JENNIE JACOBS KRONENFELD is Professor of Sociology at Arizona State University.
