Complexity Theory and Health Care Reform: Infectious Disease and Safety Net Providers in Texas

• In Event: 322 - Section on Medical Sociology Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 09. Infectious Diseases

Abstract

With the roll out of the Affordable Care Act and expansion of insurance coverage through private plans and Medicaid, safety-net providers who have relied on grants administered through discretionary health programs will have to adapt to a competitive marketplace. To assess the potential impact of the Affordable Care Act, we conducted a survey of safety-net providers in Texas that serve populations affected by HIV, STDs, viral hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Care providers varied considerably in terms of caseloads, number of billable services they offer, and capacity to bill and collect from third-party payers, but many were heavily grant dependent. To maintain services, providers will need to engage in new models of practice or diversify operations outside traditional disease domains.

Author

• Matthew B. Flynn, Georgia Southern University