title: Inadequacy of health care for the nation's chronically ill children.
abstract: There are approximately 750,000 children in the United States with a severe chronic illness. The organization of health services for these children is characterized by diversity, fragmentation, and high expense. Moreover, the sources of financial support for this care typically leave many gaps in coverage. The families of these children face many years of mounting medical bills with little help in sight. A need exists for the establishment of a national policy that will provide an organized system of health care for the nation's chronically ill children. This policy must address current inadequacies and provide comprehensive ongoing care for these children and their families.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Gale
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000191:economics / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States