| Medicaid is a means-tested, federal-state, individual entitlement program, promulgated by the federal government since 1965 as a response to healthcare for the poor. In 1996, a landmark welfare reform act entitled the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) was enacted. The enactment of this law, together with budgetary challenges, has created a ripple wave in the human service arena, particularly healthcare. This study investigated the impact of welfare reform on preventive healthcare services in Region II of Baton Rouge Parish, with regard to locations of healthcare facilities, access to healthcare services, payments for medical care, and usages. The 75 participants were 18 years and older; had Medicaid as their healthcare coverage; and used the services at the St. Vincent DePaul's Soup Kitchen or the Bishop Stanley Ott Homeless Shelter. The outcome of this study indicated that the individuals who utilize the preventive healthcare services in Region II of East Baton Rouge Parish of Louisiana were satisfied with the services. This indication allowed the researcher to conclude that the data collected reflected that the participants were not aware of issues addressed in the literature regarding preventive healthcare services in Region II of East Baton Rouge Parish of Louisiana. |
