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Discusses three generations of consumer protection issues related to managed care: (1) individual treatment decisions--individuals wanting treatment their plan does not cover or deems unnecessary; (2) insurance practices and risk selection--impact of health management organizations on the rest of the health insurance system; and (3) health plan performance--factors that guide and limit health plan performance. (JOW)

Documents the plight of children in poverty, examines the secondary effects of poverty upon the person and community, analyzes why the current subsidy approach has been ineffective, and seeks a holistic explanation for poverty. A universal, revenue-neutral approach to reducing poverty based on "supplementation" and "empowerment" is proposed. (GR)

Notes that adoption agencies have developed few specific policies on the issue of lesbian and gay adoption. Provides an overview of key considerations about homosexual adopters, including beliefs and values of agency professionals, the legal and social ramifications of adoption into a relationship not based on marriage, and possible consequences of inaction. (HTH)

Notes that low Medicare reimbursement rates are already causing some mental health professionals to turn away elderly patients. Considers baby boomer cohort who, unlike elders today, have high rates of psychiatric illness and are more likely to seek mental health services. Projects increasing gap over next 25 years between need and availability of geriatric mental health services. (Author/NB)

Examines the demography and the social and health status of Latino children, focusing on the implications for the formulation of public policy and the implementation of programs. Significant health issues by developmental stages are discussed, from infancy through adolescence, as well as issues surrounding access to medical care and health insurance. (GR)

Notes that rapid escalation of health care costs is growing concern for college health administrators charged with negotiating contracts for student health and accident insurance policies. Argues that student health service can serve same function as health maintenance organization, offering students range of services available and referring to specialists within preferred provider organization as necessary. (Author/NB)

Notes that financing care of patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has reached crisis proportions. Discusses how components of U.S. health care financing system attempt to minimize their financial exposure to AIDS. Presents remedies that have been suggested in literature. Points out flaws in current system for dealing with people who suffer from catastrophic illnesses. (Author/NB)

Examines the benefits which need to be included in a health care reform program to improve coverage for children and adolescents. Reviews three criteria (medical necessity, insurability, and cost effectiveness) that may be used to develop a benefits package and finds them of limited utility. Maintains that informed consensus is the most reliable decision-making method. (MDM)

Although the Medicaid program has brought health insurance coverage to millions of poor children and their families, children continue to make up a disproportionately large share of uninsured Americans. Discusses the various national reform measures under consideration to expand health insurance coverage and contain the costs of such coverage, with special emphasis on how these policies would effect children. (MDM)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of an employer-based health insurance system and the effects of such a system on children. Examines employer decisions regarding coverage, financial limitations, insurer and health plan practices that affect the availability and continuity of coverage, and several new models for providing health insurance and care to children and their families. (MDM)

Discusses the implications of the Medicare program's rate setting system on health care reform and considers whether such a procedure could be applied to a health insurance system that included children. Examines desirable characteristics of a provider payment system, special health needs of children, and hospital and physician payment issues. (MDM)

Health care reform needs to assure coverage to all children regardless of income level or illnesses; address benefits, financing, administration, and delivery systems; provide substantial subsidies to low-income families; be equitable for all people; provide better monitoring of child health; protect and strengthen health providers who assist underserved populations; and address the needs of children with catastrophic illnesses. (MDM)

Notes that professionals in mental health field are increasingly challenged to provide appropriate services within parameters of what will be reimbursed by third party. Contends that these sometimes oppositional forces create philosophical, clinical, and ethical dilemmas. Explores issues, examines circumstances that have led to their creation, and offers options for amelioration. (Author/NB)

The importance of communication between the college or university and its employees over health care reform is discussed. Communication needs that have emerged from the health care reform debate are examined, and elements in a successful organizational communication strategy are outlined. (MSE)

This article provides insight, through the author's personal experience, into the life of the chronically ill child. Problems encountered by these children and their families due to inadequacies in the educational system, medical profession, and insurance companies are discussed. (DF)

Explores the status of health care coverage, or lack of coverage, for children and for working families, noting President Clinton's budget plans for improved access, and the implications of managed health care. Suggests that until policymakers devise a solution that will contain skyrocketing health care costs, many American families will continue to have substandard health care or no health coverage. (HTH)

Summarizes Canadian Native Indian's objections to recent health care budget cuts. For many years Canadian Indians enjoyed subsidized health care that included therapy, prescriptions, eyeglasses, dental, and medical transportation. Details the programs to be cut and laments their passing. (MJP)