· 3 issues
The June 1969 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin highlights the severe impact of Medicaid cuts on public health services in New York City, emphasizing the retreat of city officials from their responsibility to provide care for the medically needy. The editorial critiques the lack of effective management and advocacy from health officials, leading to potential closures of municipal hospitals and cuts to essential services. Notable articles discuss the historical context of Medicaid's implementation and its subsequent decline, illustrating how the program has exacerbated health disparities. The issue calls for community and worker control over health resources as a necessary response to the fiscal crisis and the failures of public leadership.
The July-August 1972 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin focuses on the complexities and challenges of Medicaid in New York City, highlighting the emergence of 'Medicaid mills'—clinics that profit from treating low-income patients. Despite the promise of Medicaid providing free medical care, the reality reveals a shortage of participating doctors and a system that often prioritizes profit over quality care. The issue also covers community activism, particularly the takeover of a Medicaid mill by residents in East Harlem, who demanded better conditions and services. This reflects a broader struggle against the inadequacies of the healthcare system for marginalized populations.
The May-June 1974 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin discusses the political retreat of Senator Edward Kennedy from the comprehensive Health Security Act in favor of a more limited National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) in collaboration with Representative Wilbur Mills. This shift reflects the changing economic climate and public sentiment regarding health care, as the need for catastrophic illness protection remains amidst rising costs and economic challenges. The issue also highlights the problematic practices of patient dumping in California's private hospitals and the organization of Bronx Medicaid patients, showcasing grassroots efforts to address inequities in health care access.