Factors influencing the utilization of health care by children

Although access for children was improved in the decade following the institution of Medicaid, utilization of health services by children remains unequal. Families with more resources at their disposal are more likely to obtain higher quality and more appropriate care for their children. At the same time poor children appear to be at greater risk for most childhood ailments, and use less services than they need. In addition to need for care, utilization appears to be influenced by income, insurance and several maternal factors including marital and employment status. A number of other factors are discussed, including trends in chronic illness, new morbidities, and the increased incidence of children living in impoverished single-parent households.