Addressing the Health Care Impact of Hurricane Katrina

Publication Date: September 2003

Publisher: Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

Author(s):

Research Area: Environment; Health

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This issue paper is an effort to begin an assessment of health care needs in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and to review some of the policy options available to the federal government to ensure access to health care for those affected by Katrina.

The brief begins with a summary of the implications for the health of the population and its access to needed care. It then outlines the implications for affected states – those directly hit by Katrina as well as the states of refuge – and for health care coverage in those states. Finally the brief looks at two ways in which the federal government could respond.