The Medicaid program and a regular source of care

Much of the current research in utilization of medical care services points out that the Medicare and Medicaid programs have had a significant effect in changing the traditional positive relationship between income and use of ambulatory care services. Studies have found the poor now utilize care at a greater rate than do middle income groups, although differences in age distribution and the greater need for care among the poor may explain the higher utilization. Similar rates of utilization do not necessarily mean that the quality and type of care minority and low-income groups receive is similar. Examining data on having a regular source of care gives them some insight as to whether different groups receive care in similar manner.