Restrictions on Nursing Care for Children: A Policy That Saves No Dollars and Makes No Sense (with Mary T. Giliberti)

In 1981, three and a half-year old Katie Beckett caught the attention ofPresident Ronald Reagan. Katie had contracted viral encephalitis as an infantand as a result required a mechanical ventilator to help her breathe. Herparents wanted to take her home from the hospital where she had lived sinceinfancy, but Medicaid would fund her care only if she remained in the institution.Therefore Katie remained in the hospital, which cost the public approximately$10,000 more per month than home care