National health policy: back to the future. Ad Hoc Committee on National Health Policy American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Abstract

After an extensive review of the literature and discussion of both national and state proposed health plans, the committee arrived at the following conclusions: 1. The issues that prompted development of the 1971 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) Position Statement on National Health Care have not been resolved or altered. 2. Few significant national health plans or policies are being supported by the Bush Administration other than managed-care plans. 3. A national health policy will be driven by the development of state health policies and plans. 4. Implementation of national or state health plans will affect both professions at all service provision sites, including public schools. 5. Five general models apply to all existing or proposed national and state health policies or plans: single payer (e.g., a Canadian-style plan) minimum basic benefits ("play or pay") expanded Medicare or Medicaid benefits rationed healthcare (e.g., Oregon plan) managed care (e.g., health maintenance organizations) 6. There will be continued efforts to eliminate Medicaid mandates. 7. ASHA needs to advocate for the inclusion of rehabilitative services as basic rather than optional services in all health plans. 8. ASHA must advocate for adequate access to quality care regardless of healthcare or education provider setting.