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1994.07.05 : HCFA New Initiative for Doctoral Students

Contact:  Anne Verano (202) 690-6145
Tuesday, July 5, 1994


     Doctoral students nationwide are invited to apply for
dissertation support under a new initiative of the Health Care
Financing Administration, the federal agency that oversees the
Medicare and Medicaid programs.

     "We are pleased to start a program that helps bring new
researchers and innovative approaches to pressing issues in health
care delivery and financing for the elderly, the poor and the
disabled," said HCFA Administrator Bruce C. Vladeck.  "We must
continue to build infrastructure and capacity in our educational
institutions to address the health care needs of our most vulnerable
populations in the 21st century."

     Applications are due to HCFA by Oct. 14 with awards to be
announced by Dec. 30.  Studies must be completed within 12 months
from the date of the grant award.

     The program provides a grant of up to $20,000 in direct support
for dissertations in such areas as health care systems reform and
financing, managed care systems, provider payment, access and
quality of care, and service delivery systems.  Grants will also be
awarded for research in subacute and long-term care, and information
to improve consumer choice and health status.  Minority and women
researchers are especially encouraged to apply.

     Special consideration will also be given to applications from
students enrolled in institutions that are recognized by the federal
government as historically black colleges and universities.

     To qualify for HCFA dissertation support, students must be
enrolled in an accredited doctoral program in the social, management
or health sciences.  They also must be conducting or intending to
conduct dissertation research on issues related to the delivery or
financing of health care services.  Of particular interest are
studies that have direct bearing on the Medicare and Medicaid
programs.

     Applicants must have completed all course work, have an
approved proposal and be sponsored by their university.  At the
close of the project period, students are expected to have completed
their dissertations and provide HCFA with a copy.  Students
receiving dissertation support from other HHS agencies are
ineligible for HCFA funding.

     Details are in HCFA Dissertation Fellowship Grants.  Copies are
available from HCFA's Office of Research and Demonstrations by
calling (410) 966-5181.   

     The Health Care Financing Administration is the federal agency
that administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs which help pay
the medical bills of 70 million Americans.  HCFA's fiscal year 1994
budget amounts to nearly $250 billion.