Health Planning and the U.S. Federal Government

Abstract

The history of health planning efforts within the federal government is summarized, starting with enactment of the Hill—Burton legislation in 1946. Shortcomings in planning by the central government and in its guidance of the states are noted. The recent development of certain federal health planning techniques—a program structure, the five—year program and financial plan, and program analyses—is summarized. Political and administrative constraints on planners, within the system of federal—state—local relationships, are explored. The degree to which planning is applicable to current health problems, including those of rising prices and misuse of resources, and future federal reactions to these problems, are commented upon.