Medical care plans for industrial workers and their relationship to public health programs
Janis, L.; Roemer, M.I.
American Journal of Public Health and the Nation's Health 38(9): 1245-1253
1948
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9572 PMID: 18880224 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.38.9.1245Document Number: 368897
Since about 90% of industrial absenteeism is due to illness of non-industrial origin, both labor and management have become increasingly concerned with organized programs of general medical service. The present variety of organized plans stems from a long historic background of (a) indemnification programs and (b) direct service programs. Today are found indemnification plans sponsored by mutual aid associations and by commercial insurance companies and direct medical service plans sponsored by management, by labor, by both jointly, or by outside community groups enrolling workers among others. Most rapidly expanding are the commercial indemnification plans which in 1947 had over 10 million workers and dependents enrolled. This pattern has been popular with both labor and management because of its quick benefits and simplicity of operation, but it entails serious disadvantages from the viewpoint of economy and high quality medical care. Direct service plans are more difficult to establish but probably give better service for the money spent. Practical considerations, however, suggest the wisdom of different patterns in different local situations. The complexity of this field points up the possible service of public health agencies, which might give technical advice to labor, management, and the professions. Such assistance would enhance the local role of the health department, render a needed public service, and help prepare health agencies for likely future responsibilities in general medical care administration.