ABSTRACT

This chapter presents an excellent example of the high level of use of health services by West Indian-born participants who are accustomed to universal health services. Policy issues need to be operationalized at the administration level. Accordingly, there are several implications for the social service delivery system that are relevant to the present findings. The chapter discusses an interesting contrast to US-born Blacks who, as shown in the primary study, frequently do not have adequate medical care in their neighborhood and face the hardship of having to use Emergency Rooms for primary health care. The Older Americans Act requires a state to ensure that preference is given in the provision of services to elderly individuals with the "greatest economic or social needs," with particular attention to low-income minorities. The role of the State Office in targeting is to continue to promote the development of Federal and State, public and private initiatives.