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Federal health services grants, 1985.
Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|September 1, 1986
Summary
Federal health services grants decreased by 6% from 1980 to 1985, with real-dollar funding levels returning to 1970s levels. State funding modestly replaced federal reductions, strengthening established programs.
Area of Science:
- Public Health Policy
- Health Services Administration
- Federal Health Funding
Background:
- Federal health services grants totaled approximately $1.8 billion in FY 1985, a decrease from 1980.
- Reductions were primarily driven by the health planning program.
- Overall funding in real, inflation-adjusted terms declined over a third, reaching 1970 levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in federal health services grants between 1980 and 1985.
- To assess the impact of funding changes on health program development and administration.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of federal health services grant data for fiscal years 1980 and 1985.
- Comparison of formula grants and project grants.
- Review of studies on the impact of federal grant changes on state and local health programs.
Main Results:
- Formula grants constituted 60% of the total in 1985, primarily for maternal/child health and alcohol/drug/mental health services.
- Project grants decreased significantly in number, with community health services being the largest.
- Real federal funding declined substantially, yet established program structures and administration were often strengthened.
- State replacement of federal funds was modest but increasing, particularly for direct services.
Conclusions:
- Federal grant reductions constrained health program development but did not fundamentally alter their nature.
- Professionalism and political factors influenced program adaptations.
- Long-term impacts on program innovation remain uncertain.