THE FUTURE OF PSYCHOLOGY IN MEDICAID HEALTH DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

State Medicaid programs are rapidly converting fee-for-service health delivery systems to managed care for people with disabilities. In theo ry, managed care models of health delivery will substantially improve the quality of care for people with disabilities, but in reality, few successful models exist. This period of transition holds both opportun ities and challenges for psychologists in medical settings. Because Me dicaid reforms for people with disabilities may herald similar reforms for both the public and the private sectors, psychology's response wi ll determine ifs role in the future of health care delivery for this p opulation. Changes in training and increased attention to outcomes res earch, innovations in practice and advocacy will be the keys to succes s.