A Needed Lifeline Chronically Ill Children and Public Health Insurance Coverage (A State-by-State Analysis)

Publication Date: August 2008

Publisher: State Health Access Data Assistance Center; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Author(s): University of Minnesota State Health Access Data Assistance Center

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

Health insurance coverage for America's children is a matter of great interest and consequence. Too many children are uninsured while others must rely on public insurance programs, such as Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), if they are not covered by private insurance.

This study, commissioned by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), examined children’s insurance coverage status and access to health care services in states across the country. The State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC) at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health led the investigation that focused particularly on children with chronic illness. Data for the study were drawn from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSCHN).

Key findings:

* Approximately 9 percent of children were uninsured. About one-third of insured children were covered by public insurance and 60 percent were covered by private insurance.
* More children with insurance visited a doctor (91%) within the last year than did uninsured children (69%). Additionally, 77 percent of insured children had a "well child" checkup within the last year compared to 45 percent of uninsured children.
* Of the approximate 10 million chronically ill youth, about 3.6 million had public health insurance and obtained health care services at a similar level as those with private insurance.

Public insurance helps youth who would otherwise be uninsured receive health care services at comparable rates to privately insured youth. Uninsured children receive health care services at a reduced level as compared to insured youth. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D., M.B.A., president and CEO of RWJF, states: "This report shows that programs like SCHIP are a true lifeline for vulnerable children. Hard-working parents need these programs, and their children benefit greatly because of them. Making sure kids have insurance helps safeguard the health of our children and ultimately the strength of our nation."