Organized in 1990, the Health Policy Research Program investigates the effects of policy initiatives and government activities on the cost, access and quality of health care. Changes in the health care system affect consumers throughout Iowa and the nation, health care providers, policymakers and businesses. The impact of cost containment activities such as the introduction of managed care and the restructuring of the health care delivery system are felt both by the public and private sectors. Significant policy issues concern the cost-effectiveness of these changes as well as the impact on access to and quality of health care services.