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Chains of Impact from Reaganomics on Primary Care Policies
Author(s) -
Milio Nancy
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1446.1984.tb00434.x
Subject(s) - disadvantaged , context (archaeology) , limiting , public health , federal budget , health policy , health care , block grant , public policy , public administration , public economics , population , health care reform , economic growth , economics , medicine , political science , environmental health , fiscal year , nursing , finance , mechanical engineering , paleontology , market economy , welfare , engineering , biology
This article analyzes the effects of federal fiscal policy in the Reagan administration on primary care programs. Within the context of the national economy and federal policy priorities, states responded to budget cuts and block grants with fiscal and administrative restrictions that fell disproportionately on disadvantaged groups. A wide array of primary care services became less available and accessible, thereby limiting their cost‐savings potential and their effectiveness in supporting people's health. These program deficits, together with lowered living standards among large segments of the population, resulted in rising rates of infant mortality in many states. A perspective that can interrelate federal and state policy actions, and broad public policies with traditional health policies, will improve public health nurses' understanding of policy‐making and policy impacts, and thereby can guide renewed efforts toward health improvement.