The role of third‐party support in the detection and treatment of cancer in the elderly

Third‐party support and reimbursement in cancer detection and treatment has increased over the past 10 years. Research in the early 1980s and more recently has shown the impact that early diagnosis and treatment can have. Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, and even state Medigap rules have expanded the benefits for Pap smears and mammographic screening, and hospice care. Surprisingly, usage of these benefits is mixed. Of special importance are the findings that use is directly related to a physicians' recommending various tests. This paper will review some of the changes that have occurred, the issues involved, and the impacts measured on third‐party support care in the elderly and in urban and rural settings.