Targeted Approaches, Universalism, and Targeted Universalism: Opportunities for the US Correctional Health Care System

Social policy has traditionally been implemented in two ways: using targeted or universal approaches. Each of these mechanisms has advantages and disadvantages to the populations to whom the policies are applied and to the system applying the policies. A third approach to social policy implementation has emerged: targeted universalism. Targeted universalism is not simply a combination of targeted and universal approaches. It stands apart as a unique way of conceptualizing and implementing social policy. This viewpoint provides an overview of targeted approaches, universalism, and targeted universalism to social policy development and implementation. It examines the ways targeted universalism could be applied to the U.S. correctional health care system to ensure that people who are incarcerated receive the health care to which they are constitutionally entitled.