The status of local health care safety nets

Abstract

This paper examines variations in the composition, concentration, financing, and community context of local health care "safety nets" and the market pressures that they face. It also reviews financing mechanisms that support these systems and strategies being undertaken to retain publicly insured patients. As safety-net providers compete more aggressively, the availability of the public health, behavioral health, and social services they provide may be affected. Communities may have to consider more explicit investments in these "public goods" if competitive markets remove existing cross-subsidies.