Health care of the elderly in medically disadvantaged populations

This study of three disadvantaged urban areas reports on the relationship between available resources and ambulatory health care. Findings indicate a high proportion receiving care for serious conditions but a sharp drop in care for less serious but potentially disabling conditions except for a group of elderly receiving care through a new Health Maintenance Organization. In a community of recent socioeconomic transition, there was evidence that isolated elderly turn to medical-care resources for other than health reasons.