The November 1969 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin critiques the emergence of a 'Medical Industrial Complex' in the U.S., highlighting how healthcare has transformed into a lucrative business dominated by profit motives rather than patient care. It discusses the alarming rise in healthcare expenditures, which have surged from $27 billion to $62 billion in just nine years, while the quality of care has not improved correspondingly. The issue emphasizes the role of government subsidies in fueling this growth, particularly in the drug and hospital sectors, and calls for greater public oversight and regulation to ensure that healthcare serves the needs of the population rather than corporate profits.
The November-December 1984 issue of HealthPAC Bulletin addresses critical issues in healthcare, particularly focusing on outpatient dumping in Chicago and the implications of Medicare policies on low-income patients. A notable article discusses the challenges faced by a rural physician who opts out of Medicare assignment due to inadequate reimbursement rates, highlighting the broader issue of class disparities in healthcare access. The issue also critiques the Reagan Administration's healthcare policies, emphasizing the need for grassroots organizing to advocate for healthcare as a human right. The publication calls for action against the increasing corporatization of healthcare and the negative impact on vulnerable populations.