Eight coalfield clinics: Their development and responses to the cutbacks in the UMWA (United Mineworkers of America) Funds Health Program. Executive summary and final report. Report for 1 Sep 80-31 Nov 81

This project examined the effects of changes in UMWA health benefits on eight clinic systems in the eastern coalfields (Kentucky, Alabama, Southwestern Virginia and Pennsylvania). The caseloads of these clinics were at least 20 percent Funds' beneficiaries. The study focused on the impact of UMWA cutbacks on staffing, scope of services, miner and non-miner utilization, and management contingency plans of the clinics, for the period 1976-1980. Reactions by the clinics ranged from minimal to major cost-cutting strategies. Two clinics sought and received help via the Rural Health Initiative Grant (Section 330-sponsored program), and were able to maintain their viability. All of the clinics experienced a decline in utilization by miners and dependents, as well as a decrease in non-miner encounters. Utilization partially recovered following the new coal wage agreement. Total employee levels dropped at all clinics except at two sites, while the scope of service at all sites generally held constant.