THE ADMINISTRATION: Welfare Agenda

In his first press conference since taking over the U.S. Health, Education and Welfare Department, Secretary Marion Folsom last week outlined his 1956 agenda. Items:

¶ New legislation for a 25%-30% expansion ($24 million-$29 million) in medical research, which would step up Public Health Service-supported projects in medical schools and hospitals.

¶ A new program of 50-50 federal matching grants for construction to meet the shortage of medical teaching facilities.

¶ Wide expansion of private health-insurance plans for aged and rural people, plus new emphasis on protection for the long-term “catastrophic illnesses” that are not now covered. Reinsurance or pooling of risk, with federal participation if necessary, would encourage insurance companies to broaden their coverage.

¶ Reappointment in April for another four-year term of U.S. Surgeon General Scheele, sometimes criticized for his handling of the Salk vaccine program.

¶ An improved program for federal aid to public-school construction. Probable method: federal purchase of state-issued building bonds, plus cash grants totaling considerably more than the Administration’s previous proposal of $200 million over a three-year period.

¶ Extension of social-security benefits to the 10% of Americans not now covered.