HEALTH-CARE REFORM - THE 1993-1994 EVOLUTION

Health care costs in the United States continue to increase, as does t he number of individuals who lack health care coverage. The magnitude of these critical problems assures that health reform of the health ca re system will continue to be debated over the next decade. Increasing health care costs are associated with increased complexity of service s and a greater number of health care providers. As health costs incre ase and the number of individuals covered by private insurance decreas es, states will face increasing pressure to develop effective methods of providing coverage for those without health insurance. Employer man dates will be viewed as one method of extending health coverage. Psych ologists must be involved in policy issues so as to ensure the utiliza tion of psychological knowledge and attention to psychological and beh avioral health needs.