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Tracking changes in eligibility and coverage among children, 1996-2002.
Thomas M Selden1, Julie L Hudson, Jessica S Banthin
1Division of Modeling and Simulation, Center for Financing, Access, and Cost Trends, at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in Rockville, Maryland, USA. tselden@ahrq.gov
Health Affairs (Project Hope)
|September 17, 2004
Summary
Millions of children eligible for Medicaid remained uninsured in 1996. By 2002, despite ongoing challenges, improved outreach and enrollment significantly boosted children's health insurance participation.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Public Health Policy
- Pediatric Health Outcomes
Background:
- In 1996, 4.7 million children eligible for Medicaid were uninsured.
- Subsequent policy changes, including welfare reform and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), aimed to address children's health coverage gaps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in children's health insurance eligibility and coverage from 1996 to 2002.
- To assess the impact of policy changes on children's insurance status.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) spanning 1996-2002.
- Tracked changes in children's eligibility for and participation in public health insurance programs.
Main Results:
- As of 2002, children's uninsurance was linked to both eligibility and participation issues.
- Significant improvements in program participation were observed.
- Enhanced outreach, simplified enrollment, and increased retention contributed to better coverage.
Conclusions:
- Policy interventions have successfully improved children's health insurance participation.
- Continued focus on program accessibility and retention is crucial for reducing uninsurance among eligible children.