STATE FUNDING OF COMPREHENSIVE PRIMARY MEDICAL-CARE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS

Objectives. This study examined the availability of state funding for comprehensive primary care programs and the need for primary care subs idies for medically underserved communities. Methods. A brief question naire was used to ask health agencies in all 50 states whether their s tate funded a program that met our definition of comprehensive primary medical care practice programs. An in-depth written survey instrument was then administered to the states with programs. Results. Almost ha lf of all states provide some funds for the development and/or operati on of comprehensive primary medical carl practices. Expenditures in mo st states were found to be relatively modest in comparison with both f ederal funding and the total level of unmet need for primary care. Sta tes that subsidize primary care practices tend to follow the model est ablished under the federal health centers program. Conclusions. The fi ndings suggest the continued viability of the health center model of c are, as well as the presence of some state support for such a program. However, in light of limited state resources for the development and operation of comprehensive practices, a continued and significant fede ral effort is imperative.